Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I acknowledge that the Senator claims to possess research that would suggest otherwise but my information indicates that no such evidence exists. It boils down to the question of whether psychological ties are more easily formed between people from the same cultural backgrounds or if it is the common humanity among people from various ethnic backgrounds that determines whether such ties can be formed. In the absence of evidence which would convince us of an overwhelming benefit and having given the matter all due consideration and consulted all the relevant parties, the Government is not prepared to accept the amendment.