Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree with what the amendments are trying to achieve. A total of €6 million was allocated in the budget to fast-track many applications. That is why between 60 and 80 leave to remain cases are being processed each month since publication of the working group's report. The report is being implemented.

I agree with the right to work. I accept what the Deputies are saying about the nine-month stipulation not being necessary if everybody has his or her application processed after six months, but the fundamental point about having a right to work should be acceded to by the Government. This is being done through the Cabinet social policy sub-committee. That is the mechanism through which I want to see it happen. It is not happening in the Bill, but I am not letting the issue go because, as Deputy Niall Collins said, I do not think we should be outside the European norm in this regard. The right to work is fundamental and we must vindicate it. As I said, it is not happening in the Bill, but I believe it will happen through the Cabinet sub-committee on social policy.

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