Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I join with the sentiments expressed by my distinguished colleagues on both sides of the House regarding the evil killing of Mr. Donaldson. I fully agree with the sentiments expressed by Senator Maurice Hayes that the primacy of politics needs to be reinforced, notwithstanding that this House can have very little influence over outside events. I extend my deepest sympathy to the family because yet again this is another family grieving as a result of the shadow of the gunman whom I thought was long gone from our island.

A report appeared in the national newspapers in the past few days regarding disturbing allegations made about immigration centres. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform seems to have a heavy agenda in other areas of policy but I ask the Leader to consider asking the Minister or somebody from the Department to come to the House to answer those allegations which are being investigated by the Irish Refugee Council.

I would be a hypocrite if I did not highlight these issues in light of the fact that I and several colleagues from all sides of the House have attempted to alleviate the difficulties affecting Irish nationals in the United States, who are also immigrants. We must look into the motes in our own eyes. If the allegations published in the newspapers stand up, they are indefensible. It is unacceptable that those who have fled their countries for the best of reasons — to find a better life — should be treated with contempt, that their dignity has been compromised and that they are not given basic rights. I hope there will be an opportunity to invite the Minister to the House to explain the full facts in regard to what is happening in these immigration centres.