Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I join my colleagues in commending the church authorities, the Garda and the Government on successfully handling a difficult situation with the requisite combination of sensitivity and fairness. It was a little misleading to talk about there being a deal between the Church of Ireland and the refugees. Obviously, no church can commit the Government to actions that fall within the Government's remit. However, I am sure it was done with the best of intentions. I agree the demonstrations and counter-demonstrations did not help. There is no country where asylum and immigration policy is not handled by either the interior or justice ministries.

I welcome Prime Minister Howard's visit to this country. He represents a country with which we have close and friendly relations. It was the change of policy by his Government that paved the way for the independence of East Timor.