Irish Nationality and Citizenship Bill now being debated in the Seanad https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/oireachtas-tv/seanad-eireann-live/

@lichamber speaking in support, noting that we advocate for the undocumented Irish abroad but don't do the same for those here

@ivanabacik reading powerful testimony from parents affected, noting children are being made effectively stateless, and being deported from the only home they've ever known

Minister for Justice arguing birthright citizenship undermines EU citizenship. This argument was made for the 27th and isn't true, the EU never expressed concern at our pre-2004 citizenship.

Helen McEntee now expressing concern at the pressure immigration places on healthcare. The truth is that immigrants are overrepresented as healthcare workers and are essential to our healthcare system.

These must be the immigrants putting pressure on the healthcare system who we've been hearing about! https://www.rte.ie/news/2020/1103/1175691-healthcare-workers-deportation/

@marie_sherlock now speaking in support: "The existing act of 2004 stands out as one of modern Ireland's great hypocrisies. You can achieve Irish citizenship anywhere in the world if you have a blood link, yet not if you are actually born in the country".

@LorrCliff now speaking in support: "It is simply not good enough, Minister, to claim there is an ad hoc system of leave to remain."

@hoeyannie also speaking in support, noting the racist fearmongering that surrounded the 2004 referendum. "We voted for a clause that allowed us to legislate, which is exactly what this bill does. there is no underhandedness here."

@hoeyannie now noting 68% of undocumented parents had there children born here, majority over five years old, yet denied citizenship.

@RoisinGarvey speaking in support, recalling the 27th Amendment: "We campaigned for a No vote from the outset... Thanks to God, we have evolved since 2004... I have worked with these children from all across the world, they have better Irish than me."

The amazing @Love1solidarity speaking in support:

"These young people grew up in an Ireland not knowing when they'd get a knock to the door, telling them they had to leave the country".

@LNBDublin speaking in support, noting 71% of Irish voters believe in full birthright citizenship.

@RebeccaMoy speaking in support, remembering Cormac Ó Braonáin and noting: "Yourself, Cathaoirleach have been very active on the rights of the undocumented Irish in the US, but we have so many undocumented here".