Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am glad the Minister mentioned McAuley Place, which is in my constituency, and Newbridge, which is in the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach's constituency. We are all-inclusive in this business. A huge amount of local voluntary effort and general effort is grant-aided in one way or another has been undertaken by people like those in McAuley Place. There are challenges that come forward in respect of immigration. I do not approach this, nor does the Minister, from the point of view of any antipathy towards immigrants, but to support and recognise that the Irish people are supportive of that.

The message that comes out of the recent local elections clearly indicates that the Irish people do not want to be associated with any antipathy towards other people who live in their areas, whom they welcome. I ask that the Minister to bear that in mind in her deliberations and that the required support be given in order that those agencies that are involved in helping to integrate communities get recognition.

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