David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is absolutely outrageous. It does nothing for the issue at all. Sinn Féin is clearly an anti-racist party. It clearly believes in multiculturalism. It has very progressive policies. It has consistently called for progressive reform of our immigration policies. This type of politics is despicable. I do not like the rise of UKIP. I do not like the rise of the far right anywhere in Europe. Any attempt to lump Sinn Féin in with those groups does nothing for the issue. It shows how silly and pathetic Fine Gael has become. I am calling for a debate on immigration. Senator Ó Clochartaigh has done a significant amount of work on the need to reform the system of direct provision, but that has not happened. Sinn Féin is to the fore in making sure people are treated fairly and equally in this State. I ask for that debate to happen as soon as possible.