Mary Henry (Independent)

Senator Jim Walsh knows well that we are prepared to make exceptions in dealing quickly with legislation when necessary. However, as has been pointed out by my colleagues, Second Stage of the Immigration Bill could be taken today, with Committee and Report Stages being taken next Tuesday. In that way, the Bill would not be delayed in coming before the Dáil.

I have had an opportunity to ask an immigration lawyer about the Bill and her advice was that there are very serious faults therein. The Government amendments make it even worse. How can Government Senators support an amendment that states that people with mental disorder will now be discriminated against, after all the warm feelings they expressed last year during the Special Olympics?