Ms Áine Ní Chonaill:

I am entirely puzzled by the Deputy's mention of asylum seekers. That is an entirely separate issue and not on the agenda of today's meeting. We would be delighted to be invited to speak to the committee about asylum seekers, but they are not at all the subject of our proceedings this afternoon.

With respect, we already answered the point about our history adequately. I am pleased but astonished to hear the Deputy say he does not want an open door for all to come here. I have in front of me the text of motions passed at the Sinn Féin Ard-Fheis in April 1998. Motion No. 26, which was passed unanimously, states: "Sinn Féin will work for the achievement of the optimum position of no restriction on immigration into Ireland." Motion No. 27 states: "Sinn Féin deplores all attempts to limit the numbers of political and economic refugees into the country." Perhaps the Deputy's party has changed its policy on the optimum position being no restriction on immigration, but I was not aware it had done so.