Results 3,961-3,980 of 5,132 for speaker:Trevor Ó Clochartaigh

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2016: Second Stage (29 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: I apologise for not being present for the start of the debate, but I was watching it elsewhere. This is a very serious human rights issue in our country. I wish to pay tribute to Sue Conlon, the outgoing chief executive officer, CEO, of the Irish Refugee Council who has been an outstanding advocate on behalf of asylum seekers over the last number of years.

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2016: Second Stage (29 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: Hers will be a hard act to follow. I welcome the Bill as an attempt to highlight and focus discussions on the delay within the asylum procedure and to clear some of the backlog of applications before a proposed new single protection procedure comes into force. It is unacceptable that people who are waiting for a decision on their protection needs for up to four years are left languishing in...

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2016: Second Stage (29 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: With regard to legal assistance, as the Bill proposes automatic recognition of residency status under section 6, it is vital that applicants receive legal assistance and advice in advance of applying for this residency status. People with outstanding applications for a form of international protection are entitled to a decision on that application. There are defined entitlements that flow...

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2016: Second Stage (29 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: I am glad to hear it. With regard to the exclusion grounds, the Bill automatically excludes people who should have an opportunity to be considered. These include, but are not limited to, an immediate family member of the applicant who is subject to a deportation order. Such exclusion could potentially lead to the anomalous situation of a family being separated within Ireland or between...

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2016: Second Stage (29 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: I would welcome a further debate on Committee Stage on all of these issues. I state once more that I believe direct provision is a national disgrace.

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2016: Second Stage (29 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: It is an institutionalised form of abuse and it needs to be scrapped forthwith and the privatised nature of it and the way people's human rights are being degraded is absolutely unacceptable. I call for a specific debate on scrapping direct provision at a later date.

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2016: Second Stage (29 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: Fianna Fáil set it up.

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2016: Second Stage (29 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: It might be the issue that brings down the Government.

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2016: Second Stage (29 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: Close them down.

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2016: Second Stage (29 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: Good.

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2016: Second Stage (29 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: I would gladly close them down.

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2016: Second Stage (29 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: We have been calling for this for the past six years.

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2016: Second Stage (29 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: He has not said he will scrap direct provision though.

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2016: Second Stage (29 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: I have been dealing with people in direct provision for six years, Senator Buttimer, and I will not take any lectures from you on direct provision. The Government needs to do something about it rather than waffle.

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2016: Second Stage (29 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: Absolutely.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: Tréaslaím le Raidió na Gaeltachta, atá mar chuid den chraoltóir náisiúnta RTE, as an caint a bhí ann inné agus an dea-obair atá déanta aige maidir leis na taillí bruscar. I have a concern about Commencement matters. Three were withdrawn this morning and two were withdrawn yesterday. However, many Members have Commencement matters...

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: You can.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: I appreciate the clarification.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: I will keep it factual.

Seanad: Order of Business (30 Jun 2016)

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh: I will not. I am certain that at least one of the Senators was contacted by a Department and was asked to consider withdrawing the matter because the Minister was not available.