Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In bringing this session to a close, I ask the Minister of State to take on board the points made by the Deputies and Senators who contributed, and while not at all taking less notice of the fact that we are a jurisdiction that lobbies intently on behalf of our citizens overseas, that while we will not have a general regularisation scheme, to be mindful of our own displaced nationals in other settings. I remake the point to the Minister of State that we have an opportunity here to give some leadership and to demonstrate compassion and a humanitarian approach to this situation. The beneficiaries of this not only will be those who will be accommodated in Ireland, but also could very well be those we know personally and with whom we have shared many years of our lives.

As the discussion has now been completed, on behalf of the committee I thank the Minister of State and his officials for their attendance today. When the committee has completed its report, a copy will be sent to the Tánaiste and to the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton. I extend Christmas greetings to the Minister of State and his officials in attendance. We look forward to further engagements in 2017.