John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

Opposition parties are seeking to make electoral gains on this issue. Things are said at elections which do not stand up to scrutiny and such will be the case with some of the statements made here today.

I have been a Member of the House for 21 years and I have never seen such a straightforward and basic concept become so quickly clouded on foot of various ill-informed sources spreading rumours and misinformation. As already stated, I deal with a large number of non-nationals in my constituency who seek advice on a multitude of issues. I am sure the position is the same for Deputies in other constituencies. Most of these people are only interested in knowing how to go about obtaining a travel visa, work permit or whatever. Fundamentally, they all seek clarity on the procedures they must follow in order to achieve their goals.

The Bill will allow for the procedures to which I refer to become clear, concise and totally transparent to anyone wishing to obtain citizenship for their children in the future. No longer will cases have to be taken on a case-by-case basis in the courts.

The Bill is about clarity. Is it anti-immigration? No, and neither is it racist; it is designed to eliminate a loophole whereby the children of two non-nationals qualify automatically for citizenship of this State. All the political parties and those who have already spoken during this debate have indicated that problems exist and that there is a need to close the loopholes. However, there are some who question the manner in which this is being done. The record of the Government in assisting immigrants is possibly second to none. Every effort is made to aid and support them when they are in this country. It is important not to lose sight of that fact.

I pay tribute to the different groups and organisations which have tried to make life that bit easier for the significant number of immigrants who have arrived in this country during the past seven to eight years. The local vocational school in Enniscorthy has allowed a significant number of immigrants to become involved in PLC and other educational courses. These individuals are not allowed to work but if they become involved in such courses they can be re-educated and given opportunities in the community. The local clergy and sporting clubs have done everything possible to facilitate their entry into the community while they are waiting for decisions to be made in respect of their future.

It is a matter of concern that the racism slur has resurfaced. The word "racism" has been bubbling under the surface of every exchange that has taken place to date in respect of this matter. No one other than the extremists has used it but it still lingers as a direct accusation in respect of the Government. I wish to place on record my complete rebuttal of this underlying accusation. The Government has been most proactive in looking after immigrants.

Opposition parties have again decided, en bloc, to oppose an initiative of this Government and misrepresent what is being attempted. Members of the Opposition are slow to admit it but the loophole that exists must be closed. They are too concerned with attempting to convert this simple but pressing issue into a political football. They wish to present it as a complex constitutional issue. This is opposition for the sake of opposition. However, I do not believe that members of the electorate are as naive as the Opposition makes them out to be. I agree with the Taoiseach that the electorate know and appreciate the choice being offered as an obvious one. We have an opportunity to do something on 11 June and I am sure the correct choice will be made. This will eliminate abuses of our Constitution.

I hope this debate will continue in a calm and controlled fashion and that the slurs of racism being directed across the floor of the House will cease. I also hope that we will arrive at the correct decision. As already stated, Deputies Kehoe, Howlin and I have been working to ensure that people who arrive in Wexford are given the best reception possible, that they are not treated in some form of racist manner and that they are catered for and dealt with as they should be dealt with when they arrive in a place where they have no friends or neighbours or anybody to look after them. The statutory authorities, social welfare officers and local community welfare officers have been doing a tremendous job in trying to deal with this issue.

There are loopholes in the system and that system is being abused by certain individuals. It is important to eliminate such abuses by passing the referendum in order to ensure that people have the right to become Irish citizens through the proper channels and not in the piecemeal manner that exists at present.

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