Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is currently much discussion about the integrity of the Schengen area. There is a debate trying to put in place a protection system that would be effective for the thousands of migrants moving into Europe now. There is much discussion about that. The countries in the Schengen area want to protect the integrity of their borders rather than seeing countries putting up walls and retreating on the issue of free movement.

It is very important to recognise the point that every day, people probably come to our airports and ports who do not have a right to come to the country. It is equally important to recognise that thousands of people come to the country every year with work visas and who are given the opportunity to work here. Just last week, we had a citizenship ceremony for several thousand people who obeyed all the rules and reached all the criteria. It is very important that we recognise diversity and we have many legal means to arrive in Ireland. It is a key feature of asylum and dealing with the refugee crisis in Europe that we would increase the legal means for people to enter Europe, whether it is from Africa or other countries. This is an area that needs more focus.

Equally, if people are exploiting the system we must recognise that and be clear about it. No person will be refused entry to the State where it is clear there is a genuine need for protection. The amendment refers to the previous point, where we will take steps to protect the integrity of the common travel area. Everybody in the country wants to protect the integrity of the common travel area as it is very important. If it is being undermined or it is the case that people could have applied for asylum, for example, in the UK and it is appropriate that they do so, we have an obligation as a country to maintain the integrity of the common travel area. That is what is intended by this provision. Taking account of all the issues I mentioned, including the number of people who on a daily basis may try to gain entry illegally - it is a recorded fact that several thousand are doing so - we can contrast the numbers of people who may enter the country legally and who are welcomed. We can see the diversity in our country, which adds to the State in a variety of ways. It is a reasonable amendment for the Government to table.