Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

In the past few weeks RTE showed an excellent graphic, historically correct television programme regarding the plight of the Irish who had to flee Ireland because of the Famine and went to America. If they had remained in Ireland there is no doubt they would have endured unbearable suffering and death. When they arrived in America they were met with much hostility, bureaucracy and indifference. A few people stood out at that time, the local bishop and a few officials who died of the same fever that the Irish brought to the country. In a nation with such a history that saw how the Irish were eventually accepted in America and the contribution they made to the development of America and its society, I find it difficult that we cannot see a mirror story in the case of Pamela and her two daughters.

It is vital, not just for the good of the family and its safety but for the morale of the Irish people, that we do what is right in this case. If we do not do so, we will be demoralised as a people for deporting this family given the background and the facts we now have. I cannot think of a greater expression of the spirit of Christmas than to receive this family with open arms into our home of Ireland, to look after them and help them in any way possible. If we do otherwise, we will have lost an opportunity to show a generosity and a maturity that we have in abundance. To fail to use that will affect us for a long time.