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Dáil
‹ Questions on Promised Legislation

Asylum seekers right to work

Summary

Deputy Mary Lou McDonald raises the Supreme Court ruling striking down the ban on asylum seekers working and the need for a Government response by 30 November. The Minister of State says officials are awaiting an interdepartmental report and will meet the deadline.

In May the Supreme Court ruled that the absolute prohibition on asylum seekers pursuing employment, as provided for in section 9(4) of the Refugee Act 1996, is unconstitutional and the Government has until 30 November to respond to the court-imposed deadline. In addition, last week retired judge Mr. Brian MacMahon, who produced a Government report on direct provision two years ago, urged the Government to act on its recommendations at a conference marking the second anniversary of its publication. Mr. MacMahon told the conference, which was hosted by the Children's Rights Alliance, that the Government had to address asylum seekers' right to work and, indeed, the length of time people spend in direct provision. Will the Taoiseach tell the Dáil when the Government will respond to the Supreme Court? What is the status of the interdepartmental task force? Will it produce a report, will that be published and when will it be published?

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Pat the Cope Gallagher An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

Is there promised legislation?

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David Stanton Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality Fine Gael

It is not so much promised legislation as that we are awaiting the interdepartmental task force report. This is quite a complex issue but, rest assured, we will have that report available on time and we will have action proposed on this issue to meet the Supreme Court deadline.

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