Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. There is incredible scope to utilise the skill set and determination of refugees and asylum seekers to address not only integration, but also staffing shortages in different settings, from healthcare to construction and beyond. One of the strengths of the Ukrainian programme is ability to work. Many of them have quickly started contributing to local economies in that sense. What measures is the Minister taking to identify professionals and enable them to begin work?

It might not be at that stage yet, but I am just wondering if is. I know that many of them want to. It could include an accelerated process to recognise qualifications and easing of restrictions for non-EEA citizens to work. Too often the barriers seem bureaucratic rather than practical.

NGOs in the area of asylum and refugee support have expressed concern over the emergence of a two-tier system. The response for Ukrainians has shown it is possible to allow people fleeing violence to take up work immediately, to be issued with PPS numbers and that kind of thing. While those in direct provision are waiting months for the temporary residence certificate and have highly restrictive working permissions, will the changes be afforded to them now that we have seen it in practice? Does the Minister think that will happen?

Perhaps we do not know at this stage, but what is the impact of everything in the White Paper to end direct provision? I know the Minister feels strongly about this matter and this was an unprecedented situation. The original date was 2024 and it is understandable that it was impacted. What is the Minister's target date for ending the system?