Joe Conway (Independent)

Yesterday, the Home Secretary in our neighbouring UK Parliament outlined significant changes the Government there proposes to make on immigration and the new rules that will apply thereto. We have a common travel area with the United Kingdom and a significant shared land border of nearly 500 km, with its unparalleled 275 crossings being 20 times as many as there are on the length of the USA-Canada border. This poses a great threat and challenge for the Republic because of proximity, language and policing.The Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has stated that we need to be nimble and responsive to these emerging developments, with appropriate and timely legislation. I think all Members would agree with him on that, and would agree with me that such legislation, when it is forthcoming, would be more responsive and nimble if it was informed by the inputs of this House. Accordingly, I am requesting that such an invitation be issued gan mhoill ar bith to the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration a bheith anseo inár gcomhluadar chun díospóireacht a bheith againn ar an gceist thábhachtach seo.

While I am on my feet, although we did not oppose it, we are very disappointed in the Order of Business agus an bleid atá déanta ag an Rialtais chun an guillotine a tharraingt anuas on the Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025 this afternoon. It does matter because it involves energy security, climate goals, economic impact and employee inclusion. It is regrettable that it is boxed into such a small piece of consideration in the House today.