Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

This issue has been discussed. On the habitual residence clause, a social welfare appeals officer found that under five criteria certain individuals were entitled to receive child benefit on the basis that they were in the asylum trap for an excessively long time. To be fair to the Minister, this problem is not part of her portfolio but comes within the remit of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. It is inhumane that some people must wait for such long periods to have their asylum applications processed.

The Fine Gael Party wants the backlog of asylum applications dealt with because it is contributing to the current economic climate. People who apply for leave to remain in the State face long delays. The system is cruel, unfair and inhumane. I regularly meet unfortunate individuals in this position in my constituency office.

The Minister responded to a question I asked yesterday on whether the legislation would be retrospective. I also asked what was the potential of the ruling on schemes other than child benefit. I ask the Minister to clarify this issue.