Senators will no doubt be aware of the inherent power of the Government, as part of its general powers and obligations, to control the entry and stay in the State of non-nationals to determine the number of refugees admitted to the State on an annual basis. The current exercise of this power is exemplified by the arrangements in place whereby up to ten persons and members of their families categorised as vulnerable are admitted to the State as programme refugees each year in accordance with an agreement between Ireland, for which my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, has responsibility, and the office of the High Commissioner.