Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity of speaking on this important legislation, the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008. Before I go into the details of the Bill I must mention the importance of having a wide-ranging debate on immigration and listening to all views on this important issue. To those who say that politicians never discuss this issue, I say get real. We deal with the immigration issue each day of our lives in our clinics and our constituencies. It gets up my nose when I hear so-called enlightened people or commentators saying such things.

I also wish to challenge the hypocrisy of certain people in this regard. Our politicians and lobby groups have been jumping up and down about the illegal Irish in America, yet they stay silent when the issue comes up in our own country.

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