Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Notwithstanding whatever criticism the Immigration Control Platform makes of the argument, is Mr. Neville arguing that these people ought be deported at the end of that process? Does he not see that if we regularise the position of all of those people then at least we would recognise the humanity of the families concerned, their commitment to their communities and their children?

This is an issue comes to my door. If and when it arises, those children cannot go to third level. They cannot pay the significant fees because they are not deemed to be citizens of the State or the European Union. Are we going to cast those families into perdition? The Immigration Control Platform would drive them from the State, but I strongly argue that we should regularise their position. Whatever adjustments need to be made legally for new people coming in future, we must make the case that those people are entitled to stay. They have done their time and they have made and continue to make valuable commitments and contributions to Irish society. People want them here. That is very important too.