Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I request the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to grant amnesty and residency on humanitarian grounds to this lady and her two beautiful daughters, Naomi and Jemima. They are a lovely family. All of us should call on the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, to allow this case on special grounds, coming up to Christmas time. No greater gesture could be made by the Government, particularly the Minister, than to allow these three young wonderful people leave to remain. I was told there was a black campaign against this woman and her children. The man who tried to intimidate me put questions to me which I put to her yesterday and I was satisfied with the replies. I put those difficult questions to her and her solicitor, Gabriel Toolan, yesterday at a meeting of all parties in this regard. We can be accused of being bleeding heart liberals or whatever. I do not care what they call us. I am quite satisfied of the authenticity of this case. The children in question are in real and present danger if they are returned to Nigeria, especially because they will become a cause célèbre to be used and abused. We cannot allow this, a Chathaoirligh. I am asking you and your office, and the Leader, to put that aside and appeal to the Minister for the Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I want a joint proposal by this House sent to the Minister to grant this family an amnesty and residency in this country.