David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am very pleased to be here to address the House on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Charles Flanagan, who unfortunately cannot be here today due to prior engagements. I thank the Senators for their comments earlier on.

As regards the comments that Senator Kelleher made, we are very aware of the situation globally and we are working as hard as we can to address that and to improve matters where we can. Senators will be aware that there is a distinction between refugees and people who are seeking protection or who are asylum seekers.

Senators will also be aware that the Government opposed this Bill when it was discussed on Second Stage in this House in July for a number of valid reasons. This position has not changed and I would like to briefly set out again the factors that we have taken into account. As the Government is not supporting the Bill, I will not take up the time of the House in responding to individual amendments proposed unless Members want me to do that.