Paul Bradford (Renua Ireland) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have the opportunity to say a few words on this important matter. I join in the words of congratulations to the newly-married Minister of State. I had better not say that it goes downhill from here on.

We are all at one about what needs to be done, although there may be a different emphasis on the speed of the response. Our first priority must be to get as many of these unfortunate refugees as possible onto the safe shores of Ireland. I am keen to know, precisely from A to B, what happens next. I am prepared to get the people into the country first and remove them from the theatre of nightmare and at least allow a fresh start to begin. Much work is required in respect of the processing and provision of support. I hope it will come. Without giving a lengthy oft repeated lecture on direct provision, we know what not to do. We must try to ensure we do not make the same mistakes again.

Even the worst of the direct provision centres in this country are better than the conditions being faced by the people there.