Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming in. I do not need to introduce myself as I have met the witnesses on this issue, which is a good sign for Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, MRCI, as it is a very effective campaigner on the matter. The witnesses may have the impression that this is a bit like groundhog day. They have been before the committee on three occasions, although it is the first time I have been here to meet them. They should not feel as if they are on their own with issues because many of the groups that appear before us have been here before with very legitimate causes. In a way we feel slightly embarrassed that they return and there are limited actions we can take other than to advocate on their behalf.

What would the group like to see in the report to be produced by this committee? I note what was in the previous report and the commitment of the then Chairman, Deputy Stanton. I am fairly satisfied that we will endorse that but we must do more than simply repeating the same report that was issued before. What more should be in it? Fianna Fáil previously introduced a legislative proposal in respect of an earned regularisation scheme. Why would an administrative executive regularisation scheme be preferable to a legislative scheme? Ms McGinley indicated her belief that this would be a time-sensitive issue and I agree with her about that. Am I correct in stating her reason for seeing this as time-sensitive is because March will bring Brexit and issues in respect of that? Is it her fear that Brexit will become an issue as to why this should not be done and we have a window of opportunity to do it now?

I very much support the cause being advocated by Ms McGinley and the Irish public in general supports it. It will very much support it when it is brought to its attention that the kids in the local GAA club or school face some possibility that they could be put out of the country. They regard these people as Irish and part of the community, like any other kid in the school or club. If it is explained to the Irish public, there will be much support for this.