Refugees right to work
Eamon Ryan asks about the Government’s response to the Supreme Court ruling requiring a mechanism for refugees to work by the end of the month. The Minister for Justice says the Government has taken a view, will circulate the decision shortly, and would welcome an early debate.
Under the Supreme Court ruling, we are due to introduce mechanisms to allow refugees the right to work before the end of this month. Did the Government approve of that today or has it put the matter back until next week's meeting? Will it need legislation or will it need this House to sign off on details and can the Taoiseach give an indication as to whether the Government is thinking of introducing restrictions, in terms of areas or timelines in which people might work, on foot of the Supreme Court decision?
Comment on this
A Leas-Cheann Comhairle, the Deputy is correct in so far as this was the subject matter of discussion at Government this morning. I would be happy to furnish the Deputy with a copy of the Government's decision. I also would be pleased to have this matter debated in the House at the earliest opportunity. Matters are complete and the Government has formed a view which I will communicate to all Deputies at the earliest opportunity, perhaps before 5 p.m.