Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I join in commending Senator Quinn. It is a tremendous exercise in parliamentary democracy that we have a Private Members' Bill before us, and I hope we see more of them. Otherwise we are often responding to what comes in from Ministers. The whole parliamentary process is enhanced by initiatives such as this, and in that regard I certainly welcome it. I am in any case a firm believer in such bodies. If one can set one's own agenda, it is often far better than reacting to someone else's. In that context, it is worthwhile.

The Minister has outlined very clearly both his own and the Government's position on this legislation. I preface what I have to say regarding it by agreeing with Senator Quinn's comments that there have obviously been abuses in the operation of the scheme, and undoubtedly some unsavoury people were granted citizenship.