Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

——but the purpose of Committee Stage is precisely to set out such matters in more detail, and I am sure Deputy Higgins will do so.

I agree with the concept of providing long-term residence permits, where appropriate, and that the record of applicants while in this country should be taken into account, including such matters as good character, tax compliance, ability to provide for themselves and their dependants, and ability to communicate.

We need to bear in mind that immigration policy is far from being the only or main instrument for assisting the poor of the world. Our foreign, trade and development policies and our peacekeeping efforts can all assist. Ideally, we want a world in which migration happens out of choice and voluntarily not because of oppression or economic necessity. We need to accept that there will be some moral problems about permanently taking from less developed countries, whether in eastern Europe or further afield, many of their most enterprising, energetic and intelligent people. Temporary work experience abroad can be mutually advantageous to the sending and receiving countries.

Even after the passage of this Bill, we will have a backlog of unsettled cases. At least some of those who have sought asylum might be encouraged to seek an employment permit. One of the advantages of having a clear legal framework for the future and a much more expeditious system is that it would give us a chance to deal pragmatically, with humanity and without prejudice with long outstanding cases that precede this legislation including, in many instances, the issue of family reunion. Our approach should be tempered by our experience in the past as a nation of emigrants. Indeed, we continue to lobby in America on behalf of the undocumented and to a degree in Britain for welfare for the elderly, in particular those who are single.

There has been criticism of the Minister's power to issue regulations. I support the argument that the system needs some flexibility without constant recourse to legislation. There are many means by which members may raise secondary legislation in this House where they are not satisfied with it or its consequences.

Finally, the administration of many of the provisions of this Bill will in the future fall to officers of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform due to take up occupation in decentralised offices in Tipperary town. Since last May, it has been public knowledge that an advance party of 60 out of an eventual 200 is to take up residence in the town prior to construction of a permanent building. I would welcome if the Minister could indicate in his reply when precisely he expects this to take place and if there are outstanding issues of detail remaining to be resolved.

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