Mark Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Leader for organising the events marking the 25th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality. Senator Norris and Máire Geoghegan-Quinn are rightly central to the events and it is a sign of the ongoing maturity of the nation as we grow, develop and evolve.

I wish to raise the situation on the Mexican-American border, where children are being separated from their parents and held in cages. Congressman Kennedy was in west Texas over the weekend and highlighted their plight. He spoke of his own great-grandmother who reminded her own children of a history in which "No Irish need apply", saying the story was our story. I also commend Ms Laura Bush, former First Lady, on her intervention in The Washington Postin an article condemning the practice of the US Government. I also commend the current First Lady on her words on the issue and the concerns she has expressed over how the children are being treated. In the ongoing situation, since April and May over 2,000 children have been separated from their parents.

As we all know, every country is entitled to protect its borders but it must do so in a humane way. Congressman Kennedy said humanity did not come with citizenship or a green card. We are a friend of the United States and when a friend fails, we must point out that they must do better, not just to protect their own citizens, which they are entitled to do, but others, whom they must treat with humanity and respect. We have circulated a motion to all Senators and we hope they sign it so that this Seanad passes a motion to condemn the current US practice on its own border.