The migration of men, women and children from war-torn parts of Africa and the Middle East is one of the biggest issues the European Union has been asked to deal with. Over the summer we saw the impact of this, the difficulties it posed for the lives of those people and the appalling conditions in which they find themselves. When is it intended to bring forward the Red Cross (amendment) Bill, given that the Red Cross is one of the front-line agencies dealing with this? More importantly, when is it intended to have a substantive debate in the House to give all Members an opportunity to contribute to the approach to be taken-----

That is a matter for the Whips.

-----to deal with this issue? To date, notwithstanding the Government's commitment to take in 4,000 people, my understanding is that fewer than 100 have had the opportunity to come here and be part of Irish society.

The process in respect of Ireland receiving people for relocation or resettlement from Italy and Greece is under way. Ireland is not part of a protocol but we have agreed to take approximately 4,000 people over the next two years. Obviously, there are people who have been in direct provision for some time and many of those will be moving out into wider society. We can have an opportunity to hold a debate on this in the next couple of weeks, depending on the agreement of the Whips. I do not have a date for the publication of the Red Cross (amendment) Bill but I will advise the Deputy on the progress that has been made to date.