Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am glad the Minister of State has absolute confidence, because I do not, based on the way things are going so far. Concerns have been raised with us that the Bill makes no provisions for the training, qualification and skills of personnel engaged in the protection procedure. Although section 62 empowers the chairperson to convene a meeting to make provision for training programmes, there does not seem to be any equivalent provision relating to training requirements for personnel involved in the examination of international protection claims in the first instance.

Limited reference is made to the specific knowledge of authorised officers examining unaccompanied children, but no substantive provision is included in the Bill for the comprehensive qualifications and training of personnel involved in all aspects of the protection procedure. As we have mentioned previously it is essential that the authorised officers, the border officials, gardaí and other personnel who come into contact with persons seeking international protection have those necessary competencies, skills, knowledge, aptitude and training for their respective roles.

There is a concern that these amendments are necessary which is why we tabled them.