John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

Almost all the contributions have been on the one subject. Senators Finucane, O'Toole, Tuffy, Terry, Norris, Jim Walsh and Henry have all spoken on the Immigration Bill 2004. I agree with you, a Chathaoirligh, that it is not appropriate to debate the Bill on the Order of Business, and I do not intend to do so. However, the explanatory and financial memorandum to the Bill states "The purpose of the Immigration Bill 2004 is to express in primary statute the principal elements of the law governing the State's operation of controls on the entry into and presence in the State of non-nationals", with the minimum of changes. The primary legislation stands but the Bill is required as a result of a High Court judgment. I share the disappointment of the House that we are taking it prior to the Dáil and that the arrangements that were previously made are not now operating. However, there is an urgency about the matter, which arises from a High Court judgment.