Mary Henry (Independent)

We were asked very suddenly to deal with a very large number of people coming into the country. Therefore, I have sympathy with those who, from the early 1990s onwards, were suddenly faced with an influx of people. I have been to the various departmental off-shoots that have been established at Burgh Quay and at the Irish Refugee Council and elsewhere, and huge efforts have been made to try to accommodate people. I praise the fact that some emphasis is being placed upon privacy when such people are discussing their cases with officials.

Senator Norris said it would cost the State an enormous amount for every one of these cases to go through the courts. In addition, while it is right to state that notorious criminals must be regarded differently, nonetheless, it would be worthwhile considering a general amnesty.

As regards the appeals board situation, it seems very odd that one would have to go back to the same people if one is refused permission to remain in the State. As I said on Second Stage, I am concerned about Irish children being deported. In years to come they may have a case against the State for having been deported. It might be wiser to keep them and their parents who came here thinking they would be allowed to stay. That was certainly my view when I talked to some of the refugees and asylum seekers years ago. I hope the Minister will be able to accept these amendments.