Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

In the past ten years, Ireland has seen dramatic changes. In the 1980s up to 50,000 of our best people emigrated every year. Today our society enjoys strong economic growth and prosperity but, as a result, it also faces other challenges. To address them, we must see them as opportunities. As one who supports an open and inclusive society, stretching out to Europe and beyond, I believe the immigration issue must be addressed in a positive way.

Establishing a forum on immigration would be a positive step in this regard. I propose the Government establishes a forum on immigration in which all the varying interested parties — political parties, trade unions, employers, the ESRI, voluntary groups which support immigrant communities and those with other views — can discuss the issue in a calm, rational and intelligent manner and frame public opinion and policy. The Government and Opposition parties can draw up the forum's terms of reference along the lines of the Forum for Europe.

The opportunity exists for such a forum to be inclusive and embracing and to address any problems in the undercurrent of public opinion. When immigration is raised at election time, elements can use it emotively for electoral purposes. An individual may have genuine concerns about immigration but not have the confidence to express them. These must be listened to because we cannot put our heads in the sand only to find societal problems with the issue in the next generation.

Irish people have travelled throughout the world seeking employment and new opportunities. Many of them have been the victims of racism and were not accepted by their adopted societies. The Irish in England faced many difficulties for many years. That same treatment must not be afforded to those who come to our shores. If there is a downturn in the economy, some sinister elements will exploit this emotive issue for political gain or other motives. It is important to foster a climate of respect for Irish citizens. Equally, it is important that immigrant communities contribute and know how policy decisions are made to help them fit in.

There is an onus on the Government to establish such a forum. Society must grasp the opportunity in accepting the strong feeling of goodwill towards immigrant communities and embrace them. More importantly, a positive policy must be forged to ensure all immigrants are welcomed and can make themselves feel at home. We must ensure immigration is not exploited by sinister forces.

See this speech in context