Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House to debate this important Bill. Before we leave the amendment which was debated extensively last night, I wish to make a final comment. The amendment seeks to protect asylum seekers attempting to enter the country and is designed to ensure they are able to do so by preventing insurmountable barriers being put in their way.

As it stands, the provision is extremely serious for anyone fleeing persecution who needs asylum. Staff of an airline, ferry or port will be placed under severe pressure to refuse a person permission to travel if that person is carrying documents which are considered to be of dubious authenticity. It would not be surprising for an asylum seeker or person fleeing persecution to be carrying no documents or documents which have been forged. The effect of the amendment would be to create circumstances in which staff would be under extraordinary pressure to refuse a person permission to travel, even if it means sending that person back to a location in which the persecution will continue or become worse. This is a serious matter and I would like the Minister of State to give it further consideration in light of everything that has been said.