Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

To respond to Deputy Murphy, we do not agree with the 90-day provision. I have pointed out the issue with incentives and the challenges they could create. Another consideration is that people in places like the east coast, Cork and so on will not be able to find accommodation and could end up on the streets. It is wrong that this might happen to people who are fleeing their home country and seeking international protection.

Deputy Murphy made the point that the Government is going to go ahead anyway and apply these provisions to everyone. That is not provided for in this legislation. It is a threat by the Government at this point. If the argument is made that the Government will do what it wants to anyway, one could, by the same token, argue that any amendment to Government legislation is futile. If a provision is not contained in the legislation presented, the same logic would say there is no point in proposing amendments. We do not agree with people being turfed out after 90 days. In many instances, they will not be able to find anywhere to go.

The Minister and the Department are not right in saying that what is contained in my amendments constrains future action. That is not the case any more than it is in respect of what is currently in the legislation. The claim is not true. If the Minister could give a chapter-and-verse explanation as to how it is the case, I would appreciate it. If we are coming to the end of the temporary protection directive, and Europe may legislate to extend it in some shape or form, then, as I said in committee, thought needs to be given to how people will come into line with the rest of Irish immigration legislation. They will be able to apply for international protection or they can apply for a visa. Some of them will go onto the international protection rail. While we are seeking to decouple international protection payments and payments under the temporary protection directive, a review of the equity and adequacy of payments to international protection applicants needs to be considered. It is questionable whether the amount is adequate. The point is that if the Minister is going to try to anticipate this and plan ahead, as I said she needs to, that discussion must happen. I do not see anything in my amendments, no more than what is in the legislation as it stands, that would prevent that.

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