Seanad debates
Thursday, 27 March 2003
Employment Permits Bill 2003: Second Stage.
We must demonstrate to our own people that many of their fears are not correct. We are talking about fine dedicated people who want to be part of the family of nations. We should not characterise them as if they were coming as beggers, lacking in education and not equal to ourselves. That would be a very wrong message in which we all have a role to play. The language we use, the manner in which we debate the issue and the efforts we make to interact when they come to this country are important. Let us demonstrate their worth because they have much to contribute. They are able in many ways to encourage us to maintain our own culture and traditions. Wherever they provide employment or services, they will be able to compete with any at home because of their background and because they welcome opportunities.
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