Opposition TDs have been outlining their objections to the Immigration Bill in the Dail this afternoon.
Green Party TD Mr Ciaran Cuffe, said the legislation was the equivalent of using a "sledgehammer to crack a nut".
He said it was based on "shoddy and flawed principles" and questioned whether the Minister for Justice had a real immigration policy.
The language of the Bill belonged to the kind of legislation that was brought in at the time of the Famine or the poorhouse, he added. Mr Cuffe expressed concerns that the new legislation, being rushed through the Dail to close a loophole in immigration law following a recent High Court judgment, could be used against groups such as Travellers or others who are discriminated against in countries other than Ireland.
"I do think the blanket ban against those suffering from illness or disability needs to be withdrawn," Mr Cuffe said.
He said he was also concerned about the implications for non-nationals born in Ireland. Mr Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice to reconsider the "grave consequences" of the Bill and the concerns of human rights and civil liberties' groups.
Independent TD Mr Finian McGrath expressed his "total opposition" to the legislation.
Other deputies, including Fianna Fail backbenchers, have been speaking in favour of the Bill. A quorum was called a short time ago after the number of TDs in the house during the debate fell short of the requirement under Standing Orders.