Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will try to be brief. I commend the Minister on his work recently with the Magdalen women, which was phenomenal.

I welcome the fact the Minister will meet the McAnespie family. I cannot imagine what it must be like for them.

I have specific questions on the right to work for asylum seekers following the points raised by Deputy Daly. I share her concerns and the restrictive interim right to work scheme. The directive outlines the bare minimum of standards, but Ireland has discretion on this. It states, for example, that asylum seekers must be allowed to work after nine months awaiting a decision, but most EU states afford this right at six months or less. Will Ireland meet this better standard, especially as under the International Protection Act 2015, applicants should receive a decision within six months? I will ask all my questions together, a Chathaoirligh, if that is okay.

The directive contains provisions on ensuring respect and dignity for asylum seekers. Will this affect how direct provision is run? Is the Minister satisfied, for example, that €21 a week is enough money to ensure dignity, even though it makes it almost impossible to pay for clothes, books, travel and other vital aspects of daily life? I know of a woman who was heavily pregnant who had to walk five miles to the local hospital in labour because she could not afford a taxi.

The directive states that especially vulnerable asylum seekers will have access to special reception conditions more tailored to their circumstances. Are systems being put in place to identify and support especially vulnerable asylum seekers, such as those with disabilities? I pose those questions to the Minister and I will then come in on something else.