Rónán Mullen (Independent)

Is mian liom cur leis an méid atá ráite ag na Seanadóirí Ó Murchú agus Leyden maidir le cás Pamela Izevbekhai. I am not sure whether a motion is required. Senator Ó Murchú, in his typical fashion, put it more eloquently than anybody else when he said that what is needed is a genuine manifestation of the spirit of Christmas. The Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill will come before the House in due course next year. In addition to that, however, we must have a serious discussion of our entire approach to immigration policy. A newspaper report today includes an encouraging picture of a group who swore loyalty to the State yesterday, in the presence of Government representatives. We must examine whether we have managed to put in place a structure that respects those who wish to become Irish citizens, whether through the asylum process or otherwise. There is a heartlessness to current policy. In a time of economic difficulty, I am concerned we will become even more heartless. There must be a debate on this issue.

I support the point made by Senator Ellis. Is léir go bhfuil leatrom á dhéanamh ar Chontae Liatroma. Tá sé in am dúinn díospóireacht ghinearálta a eagrú ar laigí ár gcóras parlaiminte. Nuair a rinne mé agallamh ar Raidió na Gaeltachta inné, cuireadh ceist orm mar gheall ar an tSeanad — go háirithe mar gheall ar an gcaoi ina toghtar Seanadóirí ó na hollscoileanna. Iarradh orm an rabhamar i ndáiríre nuair a dúramar go raibh gá le athruithe. There must be a debate in the new year on the political system and the weakness of our parliamentary system. For example, we have seen the Taoiseach making significant announcements in Dublin Castle. This lessens public confidence in our parliamentary democracy. We should tie this discussion in with the necessary debate on Seanad reform which I hope will take place soon.