Dáil to debate contentious Immigration Bill

The Dáil is due to begin debating the Government's controversial new Immigration Bill later today.The proposed legislation has already been heavily criticised by migrant groups and human rights organisations.The Bill, published last week by Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan, would make it considerably easier for the Government to detain and deport illegal immigrantsMr Lenihan says it is necessary to achieve public confidence in the immigration system, but critics say it contains several potential breaches of constitutional and international human rights.The Immigrant Council of Ireland says it welcomes moves to reform the system, but the Government's proposals place an emphasis on deportation rather than rights and entitlements.