Joe O'Toole (Independent)

This is what Governments do in this situation, although it is appalling. Could the Leader please extend the speaking time on No. 4 from 12 to 15 minutes? I would like to hear people from all sides of the House participate in that debate on a non-party basis. It is an issue we need to consider.

We have had several discussions recently about the need for a proper, structured approach to immigration. We need also to respond to the Taoiseach's comments last night. This is a time when wise heads should prevail and Members should know precisely what the Taoiseach said last night. He did not talk about preventing people from entering the country or working or travelling here. He spoke about an adjustment to welfare. Those of us who want a clean and open procedure regard it as appropriate to consider this, particularly given the free travel area between the United Kingdom and Ireland. This should be done sensitively but in any discussion we should make it quite clear that nobody has suggested anything other than free travel — excuse me, I mean freedom to travel, not free travel——