Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

It is my understanding from colleagues that the e-mail service is working extremely well. Colleagues from all sides of the House who use the service - it is not exclusive to Government Deputies in any shape or form - get speedy responses to queries they raise. On occasions when an urgent issue has arisen in respect of immigration, residence, asylum or citizenship matters Deputies on all sides have the facility of making contact with my private secretary who always follows up matters and has responded to queries raised by Deputy Phelan. I am a little bit at a loss as to what particular difficulties arose for the Deputy's office. I emphasise to Deputies that they should avail of the specially dedicated e-mail service to facilitate Members who are following up issues of concern that arise in this area. To respond to queries, certain basic background information is required - for example, the names and addresses of the individuals concerned and the circumstances which give rise to concern. These matters are dealt with efficiently by use of the e-mail service and I hope Deputy Phelan would avail of the service should any difficulty arise.

Not a day passes without a Member of the House approaching me when I am in the Chamber with a problem which arises within the justice brief - frequently, issues relating to asylum, residency or citizenship. I seek to ensure that whenever something is raised with me, the response is provided. I think we have a good record in that regard.

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