Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The witness noted in the presentation that there will be greater numbers coming to Ireland, potentially, subsequent to European decisions, perhaps even in addition to the ways in which we have responded just recently. I refer to the comments of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald. I note what the paper states about UN resettlement departures in 2014, as we received 96 people in the programme, and what is indicated for 2015 and 2016 would be a major jump, although it is small when compared with the scales I spoke of earlier.

In light of those negotiations, is it anticipated that we would make some additional openings in terms of numbers for resettlement. Earlier, there was some indication that the outcomes of the negotiation would impose on states an obligation to accept more refugees. The debate was ongoing as to whether the process was an imposition or voluntary. Will the witness comment on that?