Seanad debates
Tuesday, 4 February 2003
Immigration Bill 2002: Report Stage (Resumed) and Final Stage.
I ask the Senator to remember that in respect of a process in which at least 90% of people are found not to be refugees, €47 million is being spent annually by the State on processing and related immigration functions. As a Minister with daily expenditure commitments – many other members of the Government have more heart-rending stories to relate about the resources they need – I am aware that this money could well be spent on hospitals, education, welfare, etc. The money, by virtue of our obligations under the 1951 convention, is there to fund a super-sophisticated system of asylum applications and appeals.
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