Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Terry's comments on human trafficking, which she has raised regularly. In recent months, the UK government has shifted its emphasis to the victims of such trafficking. Heretofore — and this country is equally to blame in this regard — victims were deported while the perpetrators were allowed to get off scot free. That is what Senator Terry and others were referring to. I hope there will be an opportunity to have a longer debate on the matter in this House.

The word "taboo" was mentioned earlier but another taboo subject, immigration, does not seem to warrant widespread debate. I was prompted to raise this matter following newspaper reports on the forthcoming St. Patrick's Day parade, which is essentially an international showcase for Ireland and what the country represents. This year, the theme is multiculturalism, with 20 countries being represented. I praise those political leaders outside the House who have raised this issue in recent times. People are afraid that if they raise their heads over the parapet on immigration, they will be accused of being racist or of being exclusive rather than inclusive. I ask the Leader to consider having a debate on the issue before the Easter recess to allow an opportunity for all sides of the House to reflect on it.

We need to know the make-up of the immigrant community in our society. I come from one of the lesser-populated counties yet there are Kurdish refugees in Carrick-on-Shannon, as well as other nationalities. Our school children perhaps know more about the social mores and cultural values of other nations than we adults who are legislators.

We have our own country and we welcome people to this country. However, I am becoming seriously concerned that we may ghettoise many of the nationalities coming here. I walk the streets and do not hear English being spoken because of the large cohorts of people from other nations.