Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The parties have turned their backs on those people. I believe I am correct in saying that all bar two decades since our Independence have been marked by mass emigration. It has been said that we have all been marked by that. To not stand up is a betrayal of those people. The answer by our Leader, that just because the constitutional convention has suggested that we can do this does not mean we have to, says we are not bothered. This issue will be reported on much more abroad, I suspect, than at home. What a sad message to be sent out to our own people. I am hugely disappointed in Fianna Fáil. It makes a great play when it is in opposition but has never done anything about it while in government - and this was also a valid criticism made by the Leader. Fianna Fáil has never done anything about it while in government but when it has an opportunity to support even a simple motion it will not even do that. Fianna Fáil knows how this is going to resonate, particularly in the Six Counties. What a poor show. When our colleagues in the Labour Party, the Civil Engagement group and the Independents can support this motion there is no reason given in what the Minister has said to us, and I have pointed this out to him, why he could not support this motion, apart from the fact that he and his Department are absolutely terrified of having to actually commit to doing anything on this issue. It is a sad day.