We very much welcome the scheme for the regularisation of undocumented migrants and their families. I acknowledge the work of the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, and the advisory committee led by Ms Catherine Day, and all the NGOs that have worked tirelessly to ensure this happened. It will be life-changing for so many people, particularly those who live in the economic shadows of our society and in circumstances of poverty. It is in light of this and the economic vulnerability of those concerned that I ask the Government to go one step further by waiving the fee of €550 for an individual and €700 for a family. It may not seem like a great deal of money to us, but it is a huge amount to those who live in the circumstances in question. Since there is a window of only six months in which to avail of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, it would be a travesty if a financial barrier were to prevent somebody from doing so. Therefore, I ask the Government to waive the fee.

I thank the Deputy for the question. As she says, this is an important scheme for the undocumented and those who have been in direct provision for more than two years. As the Deputy knows, the scheme does not apply any charge to those who are in direct provision. Therefore, about 2,800 individuals will be able to participate in the scheme without any charge.

Regarding undocumented migrants who wish to participate in the scheme, we believe the charges are fair. The charge for an individual is €550. It is €700 for a family, be it a family of two, four or five. The fee set is just to allow the Department to cover the administration costs and it is not intended to bring in any revenue. It has been set at a level that allows us to cover our costs. The scheme will be accessible to applicants whom we know are working in the black economy. The scheme is to regularise their circumstances so they can participate in the normal economy.