Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know the process and thank the Minister of State for outlining it. I acknowledge that he is here on behalf of other Ministers to give this reply. He said the difference "lies in the different legislative frameworks" but it is ourselves who are responsible for that. Whether it was a puritanical approach by the Cabinet committee responsible for the temporary protection directive, the reality is the discriminatory acts that we are taking in term of this two-tiered system have been highlighted for almost two years. There is no need for it. It is causing untold damage to public perception on this matter and it needs to be addressed so that when the legislation comes up in a couple of weeks to reduce the amount to €38 per week for all people coming to this State, we also must take action regarding those who are already here because a significant proportion of them are here opportunistically. They are holidaying in Mediterranean countries. They have flown back to collect their vehicles. Some of them are running businesses.

As an Oireachtas Member of 22 years standing, what I would like to hear from the Minister of State in his final words is that this matter will be actioned, that he will raise it with the relevant Ministers, namely, the Minister for public expenditure, the Minister for Social Protection, the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste to ensure that we do not continue in this reckless two-tiered fashion, which is absolutely discriminatory and also discriminatory against those already living and working here. Some of whom may have found themselves unemployed will be subject to means tests and all the rest of it to see whether they are entitled to get the various supports that they are getting. Unfortunately, the opportunists I speak of are not subject to such scrutiny at all. I ask that the takeaway from me this morning is that he will raise this with a view to the Government taking the appropriate action in the legislation so that we level the playing field for all.

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