David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is not rubbish. I proved it at the time. I have been put in touch with NASC, the Irish immigration support centre, and it has formulated a family reunification scheme. Senator Bacik spoke about this. It is examining a targeted, supported, twin-track migration route for persons in need of protection who have family members in Ireland. Syrian nationals living in Ireland would be eligible to sponsor family groups and they could be supported by community groups, non-governmental organisations and groups of private individuals. The five main elements of the scheme are that it would be immediate and extended to family members living both in Syria and the surrounding territories; all applications would be processed quickly, with visas granted without delay; all Syrian and nationalised Syrians resident in Ireland would be eligible to apply; to alleviate any administrative burden on the State, a coalition of NGOs and legal practitioners would provide assistance to applicants; and Irish citizens, private organisations, NGOs and community groups could provide the financial backing to Syrian residents in Ireland who wish to apply.

I have a final suggestion made by a very valued colleague, Mr. David McCarthy, who contacted both me and Senator van Turnhout. He has suggested something that goes to everybody's heart and which we would all remember. I did not see the pictures but I heard the reports about the three year old child washed up on the shore in Turkey and his distraught father. What is suggested is an outline scheme to draft an amendment to the asylum Bill to offer status to orphaned children from the Syrian crisis. This could be formulated with NASC and others to allow foster homes to take the children. In the name of humanity, there must be some idea of cherishing the children, not just the children of this nation but the children of Europe, the wider world and the Middle East. It would be an appropriate action.