Dr. David Kenny:

I can briefly comment to say that it obviously is within the power of the Oireachtas, in legislating on a matter like asylum, as to whether the Houses believe there is an extraordinary need to expedite applications, set up a different system or even create some sort of blanket rule granting people a particular leave to remain or some other status because of the exigencies of the pandemic. Those are powers that the Houses have, and, I think, something that is worth considering in light of the problems that have emerged. However, it would be entirely for the Oireachtas to determine if that is something that is worthwhile.