Ms Emily Logan:

The difficulty is that the transposition of the directive can be done by statutory instrument, and because it is not primary legislation it does not go through the normal route, which is why we are asking the committee, as it has done, to pay attention to this matter. To be honest, we are seeking assistance on this issue. We have not had sight of the statutory instrument. I understand that civil society groups have not had sight of it either. It is really critical that all interested parties get on board. We are talking about very basic things, including a Garda National Immigration Bureau card or a card from the International Protection Office. At the bottom of the most recent cards that have been issued it is stated that they are not a valid form of identification. If one is going for a job requiring a driver's licence, his or her ability to enter the employment market is impeded. They are also not able to open bank accounts with those cards. These are simple things that many of us take for granted, but they are very real barriers for people entering the employment market.