Professor Kathleen Lynch:

I will make three points about three State agencies which I think are very important to engage in this process. One is the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, NQAI, which is a body that validates qualifications. As far as I can see, many of those bodies are not directly involved with asylum, refugees or those seeking international protection. Like the point Deputy Buckley raised about people with disabilities and Travellers, if people are outside the main frame, especially if they are non-traditional entrants, for want of a better word, and we use that word, then we need a unit within the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland to examine the situation of people under international protection with a view to validating their qualifications. This is not happening at the moment. It is a serious problem for those in that situation. That is one issue that could be addressed: some unit created within that Department to do that.

Another of the agencies is Enterprise Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland should have a responsibility to work with minorities. It should be there to support new businesses, new initiatives, and people with disabilities and Travellers - I have raised this matter many times with the commission - who have a different way of doing business. There must be an enormous gulf for people who come from other countries to create new business links, and, therefore, I believe it is necessary. Sometimes those agencies are not called upon to act on issues like this.

On the family side of things, Tusla is the agency involved. What does it do? Does it have a unit that specifically addresses family reunification issues? Issues relating to the care of children are now with the Department of Education, of course. It has a very particular responsibility for the care and well-being of children. Those agencies should have a specific remit and responsibility for those in international protection at present in Ireland.