In view of the announced reforms to the American immigration system, which will be welcomed by many Irish citizens there and Deputies here, and more importantly a very strident criticism by the Supreme Court of the Department of Justice and Equality in deciding citizenship cases where Mr. Justice Hardiman referred to the “unembarrassed casuistry” in the decision making process, when will our Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill move to Committee Stage?

There is a body of work being conducted on this legislation in the Attorney General's office. Until that is completed, I cannot give a date on its progress but we will send the Deputy an up-to-date report on it.