Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

The Government was criticised for that decision. It was consistent, open and accommodating and there has not been a crisis in that area since. When it comes to the situation pertaining to citizens of our country and citizens of the European Union, we are all one. We have that commonality, there are equal rights in that situation and we have a fundamental responsibility to ensure that where we require workers, priority is given to people in the EU.

Non-EU citizens have come here for a number of reasons. Some are economic migrants, others seek their human rights or are fleeing tragedies in their countries and so on. People have come here but we must be measured and reasonable. In a small island and open country we must ensure that we have a system that is equitable, fair, systematic, clear and properly administered and that nobody can get through the system easily and cause problems for the country. We must be very careful that we are reasoned and measured in our actions. We all have a duty, as parliamentarians, to have a unity of purpose in discharging our responsibilities and ensuring that, together, we manage what is a difficult, complex and humane situation. All of us have that serious responsibility.

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