Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In amendment No. 160, we propose to insert the following on page 41, between lines 25 and 26:

“(6) Where a recommendation referred to in subsection 2(b) has not been made within 9 months of the date of application, the applicant shall be granted access to the labour market.”.

As we all know, Ireland is out of step with other EU member states by depriving asylum seekers of any access to the labour market. The approach we recommend would bring Ireland more into step with its European counterparts and with Article 15 of the recast reception conditions directive. The specific modalities of accessing employment could be developed with the consultation of experts in this area. As noted by the Council of Europe Committee on Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons, successful employment of asylum seekers is beneficial to host societies as it reduces the costs in providing social assistance, aids integration and, on an individual level, builds the self worth of the person concerned.

It should be noted that the EU-UN Economic and Social Council, in its concluding observations on Ireland, reported its concern at the restrictions to employment for asylum seekers here. Although we have specified a period of nine months in our amendment, there is room in Sinn Féin policy for a shorter period. We believe that should be considered also, but we specified nine months in the amendment because that length of time is more likely to be agreed given its support among EU member states and the relevant NGOs. This is one of the fundamental issues. We have always argued for the right of asylum seekers to work and believe this is one of the promises that could be delivered on. The Minister of State said previously it needs to be delivered on and we do not see why it cannot be included in this legislation. Is it the case there is a block somewhere within the Department of Justice and Equality and that there is no intention of ever delivering on this, or it is that it does not want to deliver on it at this time?

We are calling on the Minister of State to deliver on this now. This is one of the fundamental recommendations that should be taken on board. It is international best practice and we are out of step with all the other EU states. We intend to press the amendment.