Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I will change the issue slightly. We made international headlines once again this weekend, and not in a positive way, when CNN ran a story entitled: "They saved lives during the pandemic - now they're facing deportation from Ireland". The story related to two of our healthcare workers from Zimbabwe who are facing deportation. Some 160 people in direct provision are currently working in the healthcare system with a sword of Damocles hanging above their head. Given the fact that we are going through a pandemic, that we said we are all in this together, that we all suffer together, is now not the time to draw a line under that and to stop the deportations of people who are here who contribute to the healthcare system? It is very important that we intervene and ensure that people who have helped us through this time can stay here and become part of this Republic.

See this speech in context