Alex White (Labour)

I raise once again the issue of immigration policy. The Minister of State with responsibility for integration, Deputy Conor Lenihan, indicated yesterday it may be necessary to introduce legislation annually to deal with the issues of immigration and integration. I remain to be convinced it would be necessary to introduce legislation every year in any area of public policy, notwithstanding that this is an area characterised by change and development. The House might need to be convinced that legislation is needed every year.

Could the Leader arrange for the Minister of State to come to the House to facilitate a debate on the issue of immigration policy? Perhaps the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform might indicate also to the House when it is intended to introduce the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2007 which was published earlier this year by the previous Government. It is important, as the Minister has acknowledged on more than one occasion, that this issue be debated fully in these Houses.

The Minister of State has been hosting consultation sessions with various interested parties, which is also important. At this stage, six months on, however, he should be beginning to understand what the basic pillars of his policy are likely to be. Surely it is time for him to come to the House and explain what he has in mind so that we can debate these issues in the knowledge of their importance for our society and economy.