In May, the Supreme Court ruled that the absolute prohibition on asylum seekers pursuing employment, as set out in subsection 9(4) of the Refugee Act 1996, is unconstitutional. The Government, which had until tomorrow to respond to the court's imposed deadline, announced plans several weeks ago to opt into an EU directive providing for and regulating asylum seekers' access to the workforce. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Charles Flanagan, has since confirmed that the Government will opt into the reception conditions directive. Will the Taoiseach confirm when that opt-in will come into force and how quickly the people affected by this issue will be able to access employment? Will he further indicate when we will see the detail of the new system, including provisions relating to access to vocational training and health care and any restrictions to be imposed in terms of the types of jobs for which people can apply? Finally, will the Taoiseach tell the Dáil whether the interdepartmental group that is to oversee this procedure and the practical arrangements for applications has been established and when it will report?

The Government agreed last week to implement full compliance with the request from the Supreme Court earlier this year. The Deputy is correct that the deadline is tomorrow. My understanding is that the court will be satisfied with the course we are pursuing and will, I am sure, make a declaration to that effect in early course. The date upon which the new regime is to be implemented is April next year, in accordance with our EU obligations. I expect there will be an important role and function for the implementation group in overseeing this process. Last week, I circulated to all Deputies a note of the decision of Government on this matter. I would be happy to have the matter debated in full in the House as soon as the Business Committee agrees to it.