John Whelan (Labour)

I endorse Senator D'Arcy's comments in regard to the delay in the processing of medical cards, which is now taking weeks and months. The divergence between the official position and reality on the ground for people waiting for medical cards is unacceptable. This issue must be addressed.

I call on the Leader to arrange for a wide-ranging debate with the Minister for Justice and Equality on our immigration policy which is long overdue. It is a sensitive issue, one that provokes polarised opinion. However, this should not deter us from tackling it. Immigration without proper opportunity leads to isolation and ghettoisation of communities, which is not healthy for anyone. I am concerned about the farming out by the State and Department of Justice and Equality of the operation of asylum centres in which families and young children are incarcerated for years. I would like to know who inspects or monitors the operation of these centres. I have heard disturbing reports about the conditions in which more than 200 asylum seekers, many of them children, are currently being held. I speak in this regard of the former Montague hotel near Portlaoise, where I am told there is no heating, food is being rationed and often food which is past its sell by day is being served, which is disturbing.