Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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It has been frequently pointed out that, as a small country, Ireland has made a major humanitarian and financial contribution to addressing the crisis, including saving more than 8,000 lives. While we could have availed of an opt-out mechanism, Ireland instead chose to opt into the measures for relocation and resettlement of refugees. This reflects the humanitarian spirit of Irish people who know better than people in most countries that, from time to time, people have to leave their country of origin, whether as victims of war or famine. All of us look forward to welcoming people to this country, some of whom have arrived, while others will arrive soon. It is crucial that we ensure these people are properly integrated into Irish life and can play a full role in society, as Irish people have done around the world.