Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I will refer to my colleagues' comments on the need for a discussion on immigration matters. A number of weeks ago, I requested that the Minister of State with responsibility for integration policy to attend the House to debate those matters. I repeat my request.

One of Ireland's most shameful issues is the number of people who come here to seek refuge and must spend six, seven or eight years awaiting an answer from the State as to whether they are worthy of refugee status. Consequently, they live in an appalling, grey world on the margins of society. They cannot work and are not entitled to empathy or support. Our treatment of them ill behoves us. Will the Deputy Leader invite the Minister of State to the House?

Yesterday, a discussion on the M50 roundabout was requested, but Fingal County Council or its traffic strategic policy group would be the appropriate chamber for the debate. We should focus on the changes being made to Transport 21. They appear significant in that the construction and operation of the Dublin interconnector will occur earlier than planned. It was planned to dig up half of Dublin to put new Luas and metro lines in place, to cover it up afterwards and to dig up other parts of Dublin to join the lines. Now, this work will occur simultaneously. That this commonsensical suggestion is lauded as evidence of strategic thinking shows how low the Government's expectations are for joined up and strategic delivery.