Seanad debates

Monday, 7 December 2015

International Protection Bill 2015: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages

 

1:00 pm

Photo of Aodhán Ó RíordáinAodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

If Senators want to join me in visiting the centres I visit, they will see the difference that is being made, the percentage of applications that are being processed in a favourable manner, the number of deportation orders that have been quashed and the fact the implementation of the working report group is being felt in centres throughout this country by people affected by this. There has been a 60% increase in the number of applicants getting leave to remain since July while more than 80 deportation orders have been revoked. The implementation of the working group report is a priority for Government. It is the only game in town and it would be a derogation of duty if we did not oversee the implementation of this Bill, which will ensure that we do not have people languishing in centres, like direct provision centres, because their applications will be processed in a speedy fashion.

On the amendment, I completely accept and understand where Senators are coming from. This is an issue I will pursue, not in the context of this Bill but outside it. I appreciate the sentiments that have been expressed here. We are outside the European norm when it comes to workplace rights in terms of those seeking protection in this country. To suggest that by voting down this amendment, we are somehow rejecting the right to work does not stand up.

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