Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

There has been a turn-around in our fortunes from mass emigration and unemployment to almost full employment and significant inward migration. It is sensible to devise a proper framework to manage this change. The Bill endeavours to put a proper template in place. The immigration and residence Bill will complement it. It is not within my competence to deal with residency issues or naturalisation processes. I am not in a position, therefore, to accept the amendment. However, I will discuss the issue with the Minister, Deputy McDowell. I understand what the Deputies are endeavouring to achieve, namely, from the day a permit expires, there should be leeway in facilitating people to remain. In practice, this is what happens. We are all aware that no one leaves Ireland on the day his or her work permit expires.

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