Democratic Left has called on the Government to demand that the British authorities abandon the practice of requiring Irish people to fill out disembarkation cards.
This follows a reported assault on an Irish actor, Mr Gerry Browne, a business partner of the comedian Brendan O'Carroll.
The DL leader, Mr Proinsias De Rossa, speaking on the adjournment, said that Mr Browne was stopped at Liverpool's Speke Airport on Tuesday. When he filled out the card he asked a woman official why he was asked to fill it out.
Mr De Rossa said that according to Mr Browne the woman "became agitated and began to make abusive remarks about the Irish and referred to the Prevention of Terrorism Act." The woman tried to grab the card and in the process struck Mr Browne on the chest.
He pushed her hand away and was "jumped on by three men" who dragged him into a room. He was subjected to a serious assault for about 15 minutes and repeatedly kicked and punched.
He suffered bruising and cuts to the head and ears, muscle injuries and a type of whiplash.
Mr De Rossa said: "It is quite unacceptable that what originated as no more than a minor disagreement should have been escalated by the police into what amounted to a serious assault on an Irish citizen.
"As far as I know, the Irish alone of European nationalities are asked to complete the cards, and they are certainly contrary to the EU principle of freedom of movement."
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms Liz O'Donnell, said the Government was "particularly concerned at suggestions of anti-Irish prejudice and behaviour" and that the Home Office was aware of the seriousness with which the Minister, Mr Burke, viewed the matter.
She said that the Irish Embassy contacted the Home Office yesterday after reports of the assault. According to the British authorities, Mr Browne pushed a police officer away when she pointed out that he had filled out part of the card incorrectly.
He was arrested for disorderly conduct and was taken to Belle Vale police station where he apologised for his action, was cautioned and released. He made a formal complaint alleging that he had been beaten by Special Branch officers.
Ms O'Donnell said the Home Office stated it was not appropriate for it to comment on the complaint, which was being investigated by Merseyside police.