Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I am sure the Leader of the House would agree it would ensure some of her colleagues on that side of the House might make it back after the next election.

The Government has succeeded in having the constitutional referendum on citizenship passed. I congratulate it on that. We should now move on the basis of all-party consensus to agree the legislation to be brought before both Houses of the Oireachtas over the next few months. We have been given the right by the people, who are sovereign in this matter, to limit citizenship in certain circumstances. We have an obligation to move on an all-party basis. Genuine debate and agreement on the issue of immigration is necessary. The time is now right for that debate. It is also time to introduce legislation based purely on all-party support and consensus. That is how we should proceed to ensure we have a rational, confident and balanced debate so the terrible tyranny or racism will not be bestowed on the Irish people. That must happen now. I encourage the Government to work with us on this side of the House to achieve all-party agreement on this matter.