Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators Mullen, Bradford and Norris for raising this very important issue. As somebody who lives besides the Mosney centre and who has visited it, although not recently, I know it is certainly not a place one would want to send people. The Government amendment is somewhat unfortunate, although I accept that the Minister of State has good intentions. Blaming the previous Government may be fair enough but maybe it is not in the spirit of what we are trying to get done. We recognise that there is a concern being recognised, particularly the length of time involved in this process. The amendment differs from the original motion with regard to employment and the female-only and family-only reception centres.

It must be said that the State has a legitimate interest in a robust immigration policy but it also has international obligations. When the Refugee Act 2006 was passed, it was certainly a topic of conversation in my college, as it was seen as a very progressive piece of legislation. The new Bill is urgently required. One of the key reasons for delays in asylum centres is the length of time it takes for a court challenge, and the Government will not be able to legislate those out of existence. The Irish Constitution allows for such challenges. Courts will have to do their business much more efficiently, and efficiency in the courts system will have an impact as well.

Those already in the system must get the right to work. In the other House, my colleague, Deputy Ó Fearghaíl, called for an amnesty, which is worth considering. The people in the system have been in it for too long. Apart from our international obligations to refugees, which are solemn and important, we have an interest in having a robust immigration policy. It is a legitimate concern of the State, which should be balanced while considering the sheer hardship and trauma that many of the people living in these centres have experienced over many years.