The disgraceful treatment of a large number of refugees outside the Department of Justice recently was reminiscent of Ellis Island at its worst, declared Mr Maurice Manning, Fine Gael leader in the Seanad. This was no way for a civilised country to behave, and he was glad to hear of promises that it would not happen again. Mr David Norris (Ind) joined in criticism of the "appalling scenes". Dr Mary Henry (Ind) said she had been horrified by the spectacle which she had personally witnessed.
Mr John Dardis (PD) also said it was intolerable that so many people should have to queue in fine or foul weather.
Speaking as a former emigrant, Mr Paschal Mooney (FF) said he agreed with the sentiments that had been expressed about the long queues outside the Department. The House leader, Mr Donie Cassidy, said he did not think anyone in their right mind would condone what the refuge-seekers had had to experience in Dublin last week.