Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

As Senator Tuffy said, we have no problem with the Government amendments Nos. 11 and 21, and we thank the Minister of State for those.

Regarding the Minister of State's reply to the points about amendment No. 7, these amendments are put down for serious debate and I hope the Minister of State takes them seriously. His remarks echoed a statement the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform made last night to the effect that our amendment would require staff of airlines and ferries to ask all non-nationals if they are applying for asylum. That is not the effect at all and it is a daft suggestion. The Minister of State should look at the amendment again, as it does not have that effect at all. It is perfectly reasonable and it is important to protect people who need asylum.