Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I will accept that from you, a Chathaoirligh. I hope racism will not be an issue. In fact, I was the individual, representing Fine Gael one Sunday about two months ago, who signed a declaration to the effect that we will not engage in any racism. Representatives of all the political parties were there that day and they signed that declaration. I ask that members of my party, and all of us, make every effort to ensure racist remarks are not made during the election campaign.

We have got into the technicalities of this amendment, and I appreciate the time the Minister has given to explain the many aspects of it, but the bottom line is that we are dealing with human beings. We talk about the mothers who come here to have their babies but I ask myself if I would go to the same lengths as many of those women to give their child a better life. That is what this is all about. They take huge risks and leave their country and families far behind to come here to have a better life, but I accept that whole process has led to abuse in that it is not just those to whom we would like to grant asylum who come here. Many people come here for economic reasons and that is putting a huge strain on our resources. I accept we need to have proper immigration laws in place, which is something we are all working towards. I will conclude on that but the comments from the other side in regard to a minor remark that I made in good faith were unwarranted and over the top.

Tarraingíodh siar an leasú faoi chead.