Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes, sometimes. I welcome the witnesses' enthusiasm in referring to the 17th recommendation of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs but I suspect it is in the same position as the 16th, 15th and 14th recommendations. I do not think that will be of much benefit.

The committee needs to write to the Minister. This is legislation and we have a responsibility in respect of it. Just because it is being done by statutory instrument does not mean that we have no function at the end of it. There is only one button we can press, which I understand has never been pressed, to bring a motion to the Dáil to set aside the statutory instrument.

In his submission Mr. Henderson writes: "The IRC is calling for an unrestricted right to work after 6 months which properly protects the dignity of asylum seekers, safeguards their autonomy, and promotes integration into Irish life." How does he see that operating through the statutory instrument? Is it just that they have the right to work or are further protections required?