Seanad debates
Thursday, 19 December 2002
Immigration Bill, 2002: Committee Stage (Resumed).
The amendment reflects this power to enter into agreements with the UNHCR in statute. I do not intend to give an indication as to the possible number of refugees who will be admitted to the State if the amendment is accepted. Let us not forget the vast bulk are being protected in states such as Pakistan and Kenya, which would scarcely be regarded as among the world's wealthiest economies and can ill afford to carry the burden that falls on them by a fortuitous quirk of geography. This targeted response to protection issues is a more efficient use of our resources with 100% results than committing, as we do at present, approximately €300 million per annum into a system that turns out a mere 10% of persons with protection needs.
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