Joe O'Toole (Independent)

The general perception is that this is a simple legislative measure to allow customs officers or immigration officials to demand papers from immigrants, asylum seekers and so on. If this were the case, it would be acceptable, but a great deal more than that is involved. The legislation will give power of medical examination and diagnosis and will provide for the holding of people in custody. It raises a variety of issues on which I am not an expert. I want to raise the issues today, hear a response over the weekend, and deal with the Bill again on Tuesday.

I oppose the Order of Business. While I do not expect Government Members will comment on this publicly, these issues should be raised at parliamentary party meetings. This is disgraceful behaviour which makes a mockery of our attempts to deal with legislation. It is being done because the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is rushing legislation through the House. It is not long since we were asked to reappoint a judge of 12 years' standing because the Department had mucked up the appointment. Time and again the Department does not listen to the amendments Members suggest, yet we are expected to tidy up the messes that arise. It is time we stopped it.