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

I have a question and a comment. Some of the questions so far have already clarified the situation in so far as it can be clarified. Certainly, until the legislation is in place, things could be quite messy. Much of the language in the notes gives the appearance of enthusiasm for and anxiousness to reform the area whereas in reality the Government is seeking to put a brave face on the fact that it was defeated in the courts and was, in essence, forced to legislate. In doing so, it appears the minimum possible is to be provided for. I agree with Deputy Clare Daly on the times involved and I am concerned, while there is no specific note, at the Minister's statement that in determining the list of sectors of employment to which access will be granted, regard will be had to labour market gaps as well as the skills sets of applicants and the expert advice of frontline Departments. We should not be doing this to plug gaps in the labour market. This is a matter of human rights and the ability of people seeking international protection to integrate into our community. We should not be looking at restricting access to the labour market to a small number of sectors and there should be a wide right of access to work. If there are to be restrictions, they should be absolutely minimal.

Other questioners have received answers on the timescales. The interim arrangement sounds potentially messy. Is the Minister aware of whether transposing the directive will require legislative changes beyond access to the labour market? Will there be other primary legislation beyond legislation on access to the labour market to transpose the directive?