Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I understand the Senator's sentiment in this regard. We have had extensive debate on this issue in the Dáil, at the committee and in the Seanad. My opinion is well known. We meet all our United Nations requirements under the law in regard to looking after those in the asylum seekers system. As the Senator rightly said we do not pay over cash but we look after these people by putting packages together and feeding and looking after them. The habitual residence clause is an important one and has worked very well since its introduction in Ireland. It is right that someone should be habitually resident here before he or she can access payments such as child benefit. To remove the habitual residence clause would be to say to anyone anywhere that one can come to this country and avail of our social welfare system. If people in the asylum seeker system are in need of special supports, they get them through various aspects of the social welfare system. We have had no complaints and we have had no difficulties. It is the right approach, it is fair and it is working. Therefore, I am not minded to accept the amendment. I thank the Senator for tabling it.