Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt that this is a positive step in the right direction albeit we could probably do a good bit more. I do not have a question but I record my slight disappointment that the period from which asylum seekers can work will be set at nine months. The Minister said he wanted to align fully with European norms on this, which is great, but research from the Irish Refugee Council shows that most EU member states provide for a right to work after six months or less. I ask the Minister to consider in particular the huge mental health benefits of being able to work, in particular where a person is in direct provision.