Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will move on to the issue of safe countries. Again, it is right that people who are fleeing war, persecution, famine and torture are given the opportunity to apply, receive a fair assessment and be treated properly.

A lot of members of the public were shocked to learn that only eight countries were deemed as safe countries and now there are ten. Botswana and Algeria have been added in recent weeks. The Department briefing helpfully sets out a summary of the criteria that are used in terms of how that is done. What thought or effort has been given to examining other countries? It is extraordinary. I found it unusual that there were only eight countries deemed safe and now there are ten.