Ray Butler (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Genuine assistance for those who genuinely require it is only right, but for those willing to take advantage of the system that would be put in place if this Bill were to proceed, without being effectively scrutinised, it is absolutely wrong. It is not only our job to protect those who need it most, it is our moral duty.

Immigration has an impact on every society, including both the host country and the home country. Provided the correct structures and supports are in place, the positive impact on the host country can be greatly enhanced as we can see from the increasing diversity of Ireland’s population over the last number of years. The cross-departmental group of 15 Departments and other organisations working together to review and produce an updated overall integration strategy is a positive step in the right direction to find solutions to the challenges facing immigrants and communities alike.

The Government has shown its commitment to tackling this area. It is only right that the required time be allocated to finishing all reports before proceeding. Following the fallout of Britain leaving the EU we are now in uncharted waters, and a quick fix solution to this single area of the overall problem, which the Government is already addressing, would be not only reckless but also disastrous. Cautious, steady, positive progress is what has been taking place, and in the long term I believe that those who are entitled to it will benefit from this due process.