Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

I will not detain the House for too long. The Minister has sat here listening to the debate for many hours, which is something not many Ministers do. I congratulate him on sitting here all day and listening to everybody's contribution. It is a Friday and not many other Ministers have done that in my experience. The Minister has put himself at the disposal of the media in answering all the questions that have arisen in respect of this issue.

For the very reasons outlined by Senator McDowell, I take the opposite view that the referendum should be held on 11 June. If we were to have a referendum on this issue alone or the wider issue of immigration it would have the effect of polarising the people and give rise to the racist tendencies of which the Senator accused the Minister. I am fortunate to have non-nationals working in my company. We are fortunate that they are working in industry and that they have contributed to the general economy of the country. I am aware that if people are to have confidence in any immigration or asylum policy, the process must have integrity. After a month's debate, Senator McDowell says he does not know whether there is a problem. While he is not sure, I can tell him that this is about closing a legal loophole in terms of who is granted citizenship of this country. We are entitled to protect our borders from women travelling here to give birth to their children merely to obtain citizenship of Ireland or the greater EU. We must make the decision regarding to whom we grant citizenship.

What surprises me is that when all is done and dusted on 11 June, Ireland will remain one of the most liberal countries in the expanded European Union. Yet, we on this side of the House have to listen to remarks and undertones from the Opposition that this is racist legislation, that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is racist. The Minister attended this House for a Private Members' motion approximately three weeks ago and has attended the House for several hours today.