Mary Henry (Independent)

I join Senators O'Toole, Ryan and Higgins in expressing concern about the deportation of the young Nigerian boy three months before he was due to sit the leaving certificate. Will the Leader express our concern to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and request that he allow the boy to return? I ask this for two reasons, the first of which relates to the boy's welfare. It would be of great benefit to him to have the leaving certificate qualification if he is again deported to Nigeria. The second reason relates to the fact that we continually urge children to remain in school and complete their examinations. What sort of example are we giving to them if, three months before it is due to commence, we are depriving this boy of the opportunity to sit the examination? I am sure the Minister would consider the boy's case in a more favourable light if this was explained to him.