Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When I thought the Cathaoirleach was going to call me out of turn earlier, it brought to mind a story involving an illustrious former member of Cavan Urban District Council.One day when he was called early he stood up and said "I don't remember what I got up to say but I'll keep talking until I think of it". I do not intend to use that approach. As the immigration debate goes on and people encounter this issue on the canvass, it might be no harm to reassert what this debate is not about. It is not about the 80% of economic migrants who come to this country and who are needed for health services where they make up about one in three workers and where it is projected that about 50% of health service personnel will be migrants - new Irish - in a very short period of time. It is not about the people who are needed in hospitality. Restaurants and bars in my area are closed a couple of days a week because they cannot get staff. It is not about the people in intensive agriculture, which is vital, so let us get this straight. It is worth saying because there is a lot of confusion about this. We need a minimum of 80% of our migrants.

When we are talking about the problematic situation, we are talking about a minority of the remaining 20%. Of the remaining 20%, a considerable number are here because of genuine war-torn situations - because they are escaping grave danger - and we have an international obligation to them. It is worth mentioning the initiatives that are being taken because they are necessary. We are speeding up processing time. That should happen. I believe the whole concept of people being in direct provision long term is crazy. People should be processed and if they are eligible, they should be absorbed into the country and the workforce where there is a crying need for them immediately. I come through the airport very rarely but I did so recently. Coming through the airport, I noticed that three or four people were being apprehended in the tunnel coming out to arrivals. There is a big stepping up of security there. Algeria has been taken off the special list of countries. We are tackling the small minority, and a small minority it is, but let us get it straight. We need the 80%. This country would cease to function without them. Of the remaining 20%, it is reasonable to say that about 14% are here because of genuine suffering and at great risk to their lives. We are talking about a very small number of people so let us get a sense of perspective on this debate. Having said that, the initiatives are necessary.