Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish the Government had lost the knack of surprising me. Sadly, it is not the case. I was appalled by the contributions of the three Ministers. All of us have gathered here in the reasonable expectation and belief that this was a cross-party motion symbolically to respond to a humanitarian crisis on our doorstep by taking 200 unaccompanied minors. I hope, because of the discussion, the Ministers realise they are outnumbered and reconsider, and that when the motion is put next week, they will be on the side of everybody else. Their contributions should shame them.

For months since Deputy Mick Wallace and I visited the camp in Calais earlier this year, we have repeatedly addressed the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, in the Chamber, in personal letters, parliamentary questions and Topical Issue debates. We have sent the Ministers reports of Irish volunteer workers. Two months ago, when we knew the camp was to be destroyed and children were going to be vulnerable, we sent a document outlining practical steps Ireland could take to bring unaccompanied minors to our shores. Yet tonight the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, came here and said "if" people wanted to come here the Government would examine it. The Minister knows people want to come here. Irish volunteers have told her and we have told her. They are in dire need and there must be an urgent response from the Chamber, given the hardship suffered by those young people whose parents have sacrificed everything to send them half way around the world in the hope of a better life only to be caught on the periphery of getting across to these islands. It is utterly reprehensible and the actions of the French and British Governments are utterly sickening.

More than two months ago we put it to the Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, that his Department should contact the French and let them know Ireland was willing to take unaccompanied minors, would work with volunteers on the ground and resource Tusla, which has 18 short-term spaces for unaccompanied minors. We are not equipped. Although the Government was warned, it did not put the measures in place. We have applied to take some of these children into our various homes and it takes four months to vet people to take foster children. We need the resources to fast-track it. There should be public advertising to let people know they can take these children. They would not be found wanting.

It has now gone past excuses for what we cannot do. This is coming back next week and I strongly urge the Government to take on board the points we have been making.

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