Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for the question. As she says, this is an important scheme for the undocumented and those who have been in direct provision for more than two years. As the Deputy knows, the scheme does not apply any charge to those who are in direct provision. Therefore, about 2,800 individuals will be able to participate in the scheme without any charge.

Regarding undocumented migrants who wish to participate in the scheme, we believe the charges are fair. The charge for an individual is €550. It is €700 for a family, be it a family of two, four or five. The fee set is just to allow the Department to cover the administration costs and it is not intended to bring in any revenue. It has been set at a level that allows us to cover our costs. The scheme will be accessible to applicants whom we know are working in the black economy. The scheme is to regularise their circumstances so they can participate in the normal economy.

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