Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)

They could be allowed to stay for at least six months but they should certainly be given permission for longer than three weeks.

Our policies need to be firm but fair and clear. The reason for the influx of asylum seekers was a lack of policy in that area. People came here because they thought it was easy to enter and we provided good services to them. To the credit of Irish taxpayers, we did our best despite the absence of a system by providing accommodation and services. It is important that we adjust to the phenomenon of immigration. For many years, we experienced an outflow of people but now the flow has reversed.

The Minister will know from his legal background that clarity is essential in legislation. The more clarity we have, the easier it is to explain to people how they can come here and their obligations when they arrive. Some aspects of the Bill as currently drafted should be amended. The Irish Refugee Council and the Immigrant Council of Ireland have put forward well considered and constructive amendments which the Minister should seriously consider. In co-operation with Opposition spokespersons, he could devise a very good Bill which would anticipate further immigration legislation.

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