Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. It is good to know that he, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality and officials in the Department have started examining and working on the judgment. It is also welcome that 92% of the 173 of the recommendations made the McMahon report have been implemented. Will the Minister of State clarify when we can expect to see legislation to implement the Supreme Court's judgment? Does the Department intend to legislate as per the recommendation made in the McMahon report which makes specific reference to providing access to the labour market for applicants who are awaiting a first instance decision for nine months or more and who have co-operated with the protection process? The recommendation reflects the minimum standard across several EU member states. I appeal to the Minister of State's compassion and ask him to ensure legislation will be brought forward as quickly as possible to deal with this issue.

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