Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister who has been a regular visitor this week. I also welcome the Bill which is very important. It reflects what we should be doing as a society. It is putting into action both the report and the working group the Minister set up. Twenty-six of its recommendations are being activated through the Bill. It was a statement of Government priorities going back to July 2014 when the Government reaffirmed its commitment to dealing with this issue.At that stage the Government reaffirmed in a very real way its commitment to dealing with this issue. I hope no one in this society would defend the current system of direct provision where people are within a structure or system for up to nine or ten years. Often, the reason is that people are appealing decisions that do not grant them permission to stay. Nevertheless, our society, community and people would not approve of a system, whatever the appeal mechanisms, whereby someone is left in limbo awaiting a final decision for such a length of time.

This Bill makes a real effort to address these concerns. The 26 recommendations reflected in the body of the Bill are welcome. Senator Ó Murchú is the director general of one of our greatest organisations that has branches throughout the world. The organisation has embraced and looked after our emigrants. When they have found themselves in difficulty, they have been able to relate to music and a community in exile that is built around our greatest tradition, that is, music, as well as Gaelic games. Senator Ó Murchú is well-equipped to speak on this issue and to point out to us what our responsibilities should be. Some of the stories of posters declaring "No dogs, no Irish" did not only appear in America or faraway countries. They were in some European countries as well, even including our nearest neighbours. We must not behave like that in any way. I heard a father being interviewed on the "Ryan Tubridy Show" this morning. His child was on the "Late Late Toy Show". They had to put up with some horrendous racial abuse. The child is six years of age. Our society has matured in many ways. Anyway, those with a clear responsibility for making manifest the difference between right and wrong must ensure that right always wins out.

This Bill puts right many wrongs. I sincerely hope it passes through the House without delay. It is an absolute priority that this is signed into law as quickly as possible. I understand the point about taking a fluid approach to Committee Stage. However, I put it to the Minister that we cannot delay this in any way. It is not the panacea to resolve all our problems, but it is a significant step in the right direction. I believe it is probably the most ground-breaking legislation in this area in recent history. I commend the Bill to the House.