Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

What the Minister of State is intimating certainly would be welcome. Again, if one goes through the report of the working group on the protection process in respect of the issues regarding those who already are in the system, paragraph 3.128 is a recommendation for persons awaiting decisions at the protection process and leave to remain stages for five years or more. It states: "All persons awaiting decisions at the protection process and leave to remain stages who have been in the system for five years or more from the date of initial application should be granted leave to remain or protection status as soon as possible and within a maximum of six months from the implementation start date subject to the three conditions set out below". It then goes on to discuss the issue of persons with a deportation order and the recommendation outlined in paragraph 3.166 pertains to what Members are discussing at present, namely, the new single procedure to be implemented. It states: "Once the single procedure has been enacted, to avoid a repeat of the circumstances which gave rise to the establishment of the Working Group, that the same principle and mechanisms aimed at addressing the situation of persons currently in the system for five years or more should apply for persons who have cooperated with the process in line with statutory obligations." I take it this is the six months the Minister of State is discussing.If the working group included it in its recommendations, both Ministers signed off on those recommendations and the Department that was party to the debate agree with the six-month figure, why will the Minister of State not put it in the legislation? It seems to me it is the only way for the Minister of State, who does not know who will be sitting in his chair after the next election, to ensure it is upheld. There have been lots of promises here on all kinds of legislation and Ministers come and go, with due respect, but legislation is legislation. If the Minister of State is absolutely determined and wants to table an amendment to the effect that applications should be determined within six months, we on this side of the House would support it. It would be welcome.