Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State alluded to something that is key to most of the issues, namely, signing up to the EU's reception directive. It is a fundamental principle, but the decision to sign up can only be taken by the Government. That decision will inform whatever legislation is to be introduced. My understanding is that only two EU countries have not signed up to the directive. It would give people the right to an education and work, issues that many asylum seekers raised with us. They sit around day after day and cannot access the workplace. As part of the new legislation, is it envisaged that the Government will sign up to the directive? It would put in place the rights for which many of those involved are asking and, hopefully, reduce the level of grievances.