Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I am conscious of the time constraints but I wish, particularly in light of the season that is in it, to make a few brief comments. As a fresher Senator, I wish to thank my colleagues for their great courtesy during the year. I am sure I speak for the other new Senators when I say we have all been made to feel very welcome. There is a great spirit of camaraderie around the House which we greatly appreciate.

This is the time of year when at least some of us reflect on the plight of a family travelling to the taking of a census and the implications thereof for the world. In that context, I wish to engage in a few reflections. I am glad the Garda has withdrawn a threat to deport an American student who was recently informed that she would be sent home unless she removed her son from a Galway national school. Over the Christmas period, some of us might ponder how we welcome immigrants to our society and reflect on the way in which we treat people.