Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I call for a debate on an issue that disturbs me greatly. Gillian Fallon's husband was deported back to Nigeria yesterday. They had been together as a family for three years and they got married on 5 May 2009. Fourteen days later gardaí arrived at their house - they are neighbours of my father's - at 7.30 a.m. They disturbed the family, including two little children and issued him with a deportation order. I was made aware that Gillian Fallon works full time and supports her partner who is not allowed to work even though he is a qualified electrician. This is inhumane and heart-rending treatment for this family. I fail to understand why I received no response to my representation made on 13 November. They want nothing from the State; he just wants to be allowed to stay here. They are in a loving relationship and he was a stepfather to her two children. I fail to understand why he was deported and treated so inhumanely.