Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is a debate we can continue to have. While I acknowledge the case the Deputy is making, I do not think she can say there is no reason for the current approach. I think she will accept that all our schemes need to have criteria. She mentioned the changes that were made to facilitate asylum seekers. The condition that applies to them is that they must have been resident in the State for the previous five years. It is even more strict. It is not the case that an easier set of rules applies to asylum seekers. They are now allowed to apply if they have been here for five years. That was announced in August.

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