David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

In that case, this removes any reason for not stating it specifically and, therefore, there is no reason for the Government to stand against the amendment. If this already informally is the case, let Members, as legislators, formalise it. The Minister of State has indicated this, in working parlance, is what happens on the ground. Therefore, let us formalise it and give it concrete form in legislative terms.

In another point, I note one example provided by Senator Ó Clochartaigh was of a pregnant woman. She could be six months pregnant when she came in here and could be having the child three months later. My understanding of gynaecology and obstetrics is limited in the extreme but even I understand the human reproductive term. Another point is that the Minister of State stated a couple of times this will all be through within six months and will be a limited period. In some ways, this is welcome if it will be an efficient system but it also gives rise to serious concerns about whether it will give reasonable time for manoeuvre for appeal and for all the circumstances to be taken into account. One does not desire a situation in which everyone happily states they will have six months after which they are gone, bang, back to Iraq or somewhere where they are butchered. If one accepts, with these reservations, that the six-month period is a good idea - I do not challenge the Minister of State but merely seek information - can he point to a place in the Bill in which this six-month period is stated? I have not seen it but perhaps, as I get older, I am missing things. I acknowledge this is an objective of the Minister of State, who is a good and efficient Minister. I am aware he hopes it will be a period of six months, as do all Members, but can I point out that the direct provision arrangements were introduced 15 or 20 years ago and were meant to be for a limited period? Initially, they were meant to be for approximately six months but here they are, 20 years later, still in place. Consequently, six months can become 20 months or 20 years quite easily. Again, can the Minister of State inform me as to why the Government considers it necessary to oppose something that is happening on the ground anyway to the apparent satisfaction and appreciation of the Government? Can the Minister of State point me to somewhere in the Bill where it is made explicit that the situation will be resolved within six months?