Ivana Bacik (Independent)

Like Senator O'Brien I ask that the Minister, Deputy Howlin, come into the House although it is almost as important that he be brought in to speak to us on the topic of political and constitutional reform. We are all delighted that the Private Members' business will resume today on the subject of Seanad procedures but there is an urgency about debating in this Chamber the bigger issue of constitutional reform and the setting up of the constitutional convention promised in the programme for Government which falls under the responsibility of the Minister, Deputy Howlin. I ask that the Leader might arrange a debate with the Minister, Deputy Howlin, on that topic as well.

Given that this week marks World Refugee Day I ask that the Minister for Justice and Equality be invited into the House in the coming weeks to discuss reform of asylum procedures. I am conscious that the United Nations Refugee Agency today called for reform of our asylum laws noting with grave concern Ireland's low rate of recognition of refugees. At 1.5% we have the lowest recognition rate in the European Union, and that is and should be a matter of great concern for all of us. It has also noted the delays in the system.

All Members of the House will be aware that under the previous Government the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill was at an advanced stage when it was withdrawn by that Government. We must hear from the Minister for Justice and Equality about his plans for reform of the asylum system in the context of new legislation coming forward.

I ask further that the Leader ask the Minister for Justice and Equality for a debate on white collar crime. I note that Ken Murphy of the Law Society of Ireland has raised the issue of the delay by the Garda in investigating complaints against two Dublin solicitors struck off more than two years ago by the High Court, and there is no indication yet as to where the Garda investigation against them is going. That is in the context of much more serious concerns about the lack of any speed in the investigation of white collar crime and crime committed by bankers.