Mary Henry (Independent)

I support what Senator Brian Hayes said about the Immigration Bill. It has been very good that the Leader has managed to have so much legislation initiated in the House and most would agree that it has been well debated. However, it is treating the House shabbily if a Bill is changed completely at short notice. As I could not obtain a copy of the amendments tabled on Report Stage in the Dáil, I do not know what they are like.

The Human Rights Commission has alerted all of us to its alarm about some of the amendments, one of which horrifies me because it introduces again this issue of a safe country of origin. It is not that long ago that I tried to have doctors from Iraq given sanctuary here because their lives were in danger there because they would not perform operations such as amputating limbs of deserters. I was told in response to my efforts that Iraq was a perfectly safe place. Some years later, half the world had to invade and occupy the country.

I know it must be irritating for some Ministers to have to bring legislation before the Houses of the Oireachtas but there are good ideas on all sides of the Seanad on these issues. I am surprised Fianna Fáil Members would put up with this because they put a great deal of work into the Immigration Bill. I am sure it is not just Members on this side of the House who are horrified by what is happening with the Bill.