Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have submitted a question, Question No. 23, on this issue. Senator Rubio from Florida said the plan was half baked and seriously flawed. While it is not helpful for us to concern ourselves with what one person or another has said, it is, however, important that we raise the issue of documentation in this House. It has cross-party support. The group, Friends of America, has been established consisting of Deputies from all parties and none.

What can Members of the Dáil do to progress this issue? On a previous occasion, the House supported a motion on this issue almost unanimously. I think one person, who has just left the room, opposed the motion at that time. What can we do? I welcome the fact that the Tánaiste is making telephone calls. Would it be helpful for Deputies Gerry Adams or Micheál Martin, for example, to ring around or for the rest of us to do so? What exactly can we do?

I have seen the false dawns. I was there when up to 3,000 Irish people gathered to lobby, wearing T-shirts saying "Legalise the Irish". We all had high expectations at that time but those expectations were dashed. Families contact their public representatives every weekend on this issue. Their children are in this legal limbo and they want to see a resolution. If there is anything the House can do, we will do it.

See this speech in context