Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Minister of State to clarify this important amendment. Will he confirm that the wording which was in the regulation under the Aliens Order is now being significantly diluted? Am I correct in saying that given the terms of the Mental Health Act 2001, subsection (1)(a) must be included in addition to subsection (2 and that it is not a case of either-or but that one is a consequence of the other? The legislation only refers to somebody who is classified as an immediate and serious threat. Is it also the case that in making a medical assessment, the interpretation of a medical officer would be sought in support of an immigration officer? If so, it would mean that only those who have undergone a medical assessment could be refused entry and that this would apply only to those who might be a threat to themselves or others. Will the Minister of State clarify that this is a significant diminution of what was in the legislation? The question as to the grounds on which a person may be refused entry is a separate argument, which perhaps could be addressed in an overall comprehensive review of the legislation in this area, to which the Minister of State referred.