Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, to the House. I commend my colleague, Senator David Norris, for introducing the Bill, and a debate on this or related issues, which we have debated a number of times, around direct provision and those seeking asylum and other forms of permission to reside in Ireland. I commend him for making a thoughtful contribution to what is undoubtedly an ongoing debate. Before dealing with the Bill I wish to refer to an issue on which others have commented, that is, whether Private Members' Bills, motions and amendments have been accepted in this House. I think this Government has a good record of accepting amendments. Senator Feargal Quinn commented on it. Senator Sean D. Barrett's three amendments were accepted by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Paschal Donohoe----