Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for the presentations and, in particular, Mr. Montenegro. I listened to the piece on Newstalk this morning and I found it very moving and I have now also heard his evidence here today. We often hear about the opening of floodgates and huge numbers coming in. If Irish people with concerns about this heard the testimony of Mr. Montenegro they would realise that it is the testimony of any Irish family, particularly families across the west. That region has been heavily affected by emigration. We argue for the regularisation of our own citizens who have had to leave and are based in the United States. These people have missed funerals, weddings and family occasions. The arguments we heard today are the same arguments we make to Americans when we visit the United States.

The proposals the MRCI has put together are reasonable. They concern people who have been in this country for a length of time and who have contributed to our economy. The centre has also included the substantial net financial benefit to the State in the presentation. It is clear that the centre is mindful of the concerns of some members of the public in that regard. Based on these proposals, the concerns about an opening of the floodgates are unwarranted. Will the witnesses address this issue further?