Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I am grateful for the opportunity of speaking on this Bill. Before dealing with the detail of the proposal, I wish to put on record my anger and disappointment at the delay in enacting another important measure, the disabilities Bill. Despite this Government being in office for two years, the disabilities Bill has not yet come before the House even though it also deals with the rights of citizens with disabilities. However, they must wait indefinitely. It is a disgrace and simply not good enough.

This debate should be about the integrity of Irish citizenship law. Sadly, it is not. It should be about the rights of children. Sadly, it is not. Ten or 15 years ago the country was torn apart by the abortion referendum debate. Now, we are creating a situation in which we will not grant rights to children. We should examine ourselves, open our minds a little further and see what is happening in society. A referendum can be proposed and held in less than 60 days, yet no disabilities Bill can be introduced for the 2,826 citizens in residential, day and respite care who have intellectual disabilities. It is hypocrisy and a shame. A Green Paper is required on this issue, as is debate and discussion.

Why is immigration always presented in a negative way in our society? We need to look at the positive side of immigration. We must study the real issues and consider the people concerned. Consider our history and look at our families whose members are in America, England and Australia. Look at the massive contribution they have made. We should cop onto ourselves — it is our turn to do something on this issue.

I disagree with and condemn the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform's reference to "citizenship tourism". I strongly support the parties to the Good Friday Agreement who have raised concerns about this issue. I share those concerns. It is also important to consider Article 2 of the Good Friday Agreement which provides that it is the entitlement and birthright of every person born on the island of Ireland, which includes its islands and seas, to be part of the Irish nation. There is nothing wrong with that. I support that principle. I also strongly support the views of Bruce Morrison. This man looked after 48,000 Irish citizens in America. He worked hard with the Irish Government to get them their visas. It is refreshing that there are ten non-national candidates standing in the local elections, 50% of whom are Independents. I wish them well. I hope they top the polls in their constituencies and that they take on the candidates in Dublin North-West who are distributing racist leaflets.

This issue relates to the rights of children and equality in society. The Minister says he is not encouraging racism but the reality on the ground contradicts that. I can give three brief examples. A couple of days ago an Irish citizen who is engaged to a non-national and wishes to bring that person to Ireland to meet his family contacted my office to ensure there would not be a scene at the airport. He is bringing his fiancée into the country. The second example occurred in my constituency ten days ago. When walking around I was abused by somebody for supporting immigrants. I was told they are "taking our jobs and houses". The third classic example occurred last Monday night. Two non-nationals approached me and thanked me for speaking out on their behalf. They feared the tone of the debate. That is the reality.

A candidate in Dublin North-West is distributing leaflets which call us windy, pinko liberals on this issue and describe us as soft on immigration. I will challenge those people. That is how this debate should proceed. I urge people to examine the facts and the reality. Let us look at the myths. The most common one is that the country is flooded with asylum seekers. In fact, they represent a relatively small proportion of total inward migration. From 1995 to 2000, half of the new arrivals were returning Irish emigrants. A total of 50,000 work permits were issued last year compared to 7,900 asylum applications. The latter number would not even fill Tolka Park on a good night.

Another myth is that asylum seekers get money for cars, mobile phones and drink. They receive full board accommodation while applications are processed. Otherwise, they receive the same social welfare entitlements available to Irish people. The third myth is that asylum seekers do not want to work or are here to steal our jobs. They are barred from working while their cases are examined. However, many do voluntary work in refugee projects. It has been asserted that many asylum seekers are bogus and have no right to be here. Some are found ineligible under the Geneva Convention but this ignores the fact that most are forced to leave their home countries because of dire economic, political and social circumstances.

I urge the people of Ireland to reject this referendum and vote "No".

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