Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Absolutely. The eyes of the world are on the US at the moment. No one can defend the scenes of children being forcibly separated from their parents. We know from dark chapters in our history how lasting can be the consequences of separating children from their parents and how it can damage them for their entire lives. Like most in this House, I love America and I am very fond of it. I am always reminded of the words that are written on the Statue of Liberty:

Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.

It seems to me that America, more and more, is departing from its own values. An all-party motion is appropriate and I would support that. We will convey our grave concern to the acting US ambassador as soon as possible. Perhaps the Business Committee can discuss the arrangements for the all-party motion.

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