Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

The House should register its thanks to members of the Garda Síochána, to the staff and clergy of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin and to all those involved in averting a potential disaster in the cathedral last week. I refer to the hunger and thirst strike by a number of Afghan refugees. There were ugly scenes outside that great cathedral involving demonstrators of various descriptions, none of whom helped to resolve the situation.

Lessons must be learned from the episode. It is utterly wrong that people in all four corners of this country have still not, after many years, received a determination as to their status. We must also review how transparent the refugee appeals system is because there is evidence that very few succeed. The House should debate whether, in this day and age, it is right and proper from the point of view of refugee protection for the appeals system to be based in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Both sides of the House have concerns on this issue, because we are talking about desperate people in desperate circumstances. While there must be an independent system to resolve an application for asylum we can, nevertheless, do better. If there is one lesson to be learned from the episode last week it is that there needs to be put in place a much more accountable system for dealing with refugee appeals in this country.

When will this House debate the Government's plans for Aer Lingus? My party has been quite supportive of the Government's attempts to introduce part-privatisation of the airline but we must be realistic and sensible about it. Given the recent downturn in equity markets the question must be asked as to what the benefits of privatisation will be in the short to medium term. Given the Taoiseach's ability to speak out of both sides of his mouth in recent days, the Minister must come to the House to give a clear statement of the Government's intent over Aer Lingus. It may not now be the right time to proceed with the sale because it may not ensure the maximum return to the Irish taxpayer. This House has a role to play in debating this important matter.