Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am very clear that those operational agreements are in place under the common travel area and I am very clear that we are going to legislate so that we will have absolute clarity so it can work. I am also really clear that it is only one of a number of things that we need to do. The more significant thing that has been done in recent weeks is not the legislation today but the faster processing time because we know that is what helps make a very positive impact on reducing the numbers of people coming to our country.

The 80% figure is based on what the Minister for Justice was told. All members of the Government accept and understand that. The point the Tánaiste was making was not in contradiction. He was making the point that there is not a definitive count taken of the people who go over the Border. The Deputy knows that and I know that. The figure is based on the information we see in the International Protection Office and we would do well to listen to the people on the front line processing those applications.

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