Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister referred to the decision made by the Supreme Court in May of last year to strike down as unconstitutional the absolute ban on asylum seekers working. This has forced the Government finally to address the need to reform the direct provision system. The Minister is right - historically asylum seekers could not work. Because of the Supreme Court decision, however, they now have a right to gain access to work. Some asylum seekers live in areas without readily available access to public transport and if we are serious about helping them into the workforce then one essential requirement is that they be able to obtain a driving licence, buy a car and travel to work. I welcome the Minister's confirmation today that he is reviewing this matter. There are a number of potential difficulties that he must overcome. I ask that we put a tight timeline on this. When can we expect the Minister to come back to the Dáil with an answer on this? When can asylum seekers reasonably expect to be in a position to apply for a driving licence?

See this speech in context