Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I beg your indulgence for a minute. Deputy Collins did not take his time, so you might allow me a little grace.

I am delighted that we got the opportunity to raise this matter. I am very pleased that the Minister is present to hear us. I know he is engaging and that he intends to engage. We have many Muslims in my constituency and in the constituencies of my colleagues as well. They are here and happy to be here. We are happy to have them. They play a vital role. That is the way it should be. We are not against any one faith or another. As I said, the minority sects of Muslims and others get even more horrific persecution. Something has to happen. Account has to be taken of where we are.

The United States Congress and the United Kingdom Parliament have passed motions recently. We need to come to this Chamber without fear of any big powers. We need to stand up against the persecution of ordinary decent families. These people simply want to live out their lives under their own culture, in their own country and to be allowed to raise their families in safety.

The whole world is being completely destabilised by what is happening in the Middle East. It will have earth-shattering consequences going forward if we do not deal with it. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his forbearance, as well as the Minister and my colleagues who helped to raise this discussion today.

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