Dáil debates

Wednesday, 24 November 2021

Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021 [Seanad]: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

7:47 pm

Photo of James BrowneJames Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before we start into it, there has been a desperate tragedy in the channel between France and the UK. I would like, at the outset, to speak on that appalling tragedy that has unfolded.

It is now thought over 30 migrants have lost their lives tonight. Our thoughts are with their families. It is an awful tragedy and I want to express our deepest condolences on that event.

It shows the dangerous risks people are prepared to take for better lives for themselves and their families. Considering this Bill tonight is about smuggling, it is apt to make a few comments on that.

It is incumbent on the international community to come together in a duty of care to ensure that people are not having to take these dangerous risks but also that we target those criminal gangs that seek to benefit from those people's vulnerabilities and desperate situations.

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