David Norris (Independent)

However, one can also say it is time these warnings were listened to. I wanted to raise it in a way that was not confrontational. However, when these issues are raised, we are always told it is not an appropriate moment. When is it an appropriate moment?

I have consistently raised the issue of how asylum seekers are stuffed into hostels, which are not inspected for fire safety. This is another tragedy waiting to happen. However, we will be told again, this is not an appropriate moment to raise it. I am raising it now before there is a tragedy. Unless we act responsibly towards those people, stuffed into unhealthy fire hazards, mainly on the north side of Dublin city, there will be a tragedy with ten or 20 people killed and again we will be told it is not an appropriate moment.

Will the Leader organise a debate on the working conditions obtaining on the MV Normandy? Workers on the ship, most of whom are from Latvia, are paid approximately half the national minimum wage, required to work seven days a week, 12 hours a day with no holidays. The company was already involved in a scandal concerning the employment of a beautician who was paid €1 an hour. This matter needs to be addressed. Again, when it is almost over, because we are alerted by Deputy Joe Higgins, we take up the issue of the Gama workers. We now know we have a similar situation with an Irish company.