Ray Butler (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ireland is not and has never been closed to immigrants. How could that be the case with our history? Just over 1,500 vulnerable persons from 27 different countries have resettled in 22 different communities throughout the country, as at December 2015. While the Bill before us today is clearly well intentioned and motivated by concerns we all share for those genuine applicants impacted by such lengthy delays in a decision being made on their status, I am afraid it does not go far enough to address all aspects of concern.

Instead of the Bill helping to improve the system, it would be an open door for potential abuse on a massive scale, which could have very costly and negative impacts on a large variety of public and social services, which are still reeling from almost a decade of pain.

The cause of the delays in the system are twofold; one is the multi-layered system, and the other is caused by applicants themselves, who for their own personal benefit delay the process for as long as possible, thus creating major stresses and strains on all systems and services. No one disputes that our multi-layered system needs to be simplified into a single application procedure, just as in every other European Union member state and in the Statement of Government Priorities 2014–2016. The Government has already committed to introducing a protection Bill to establish a single application procedure, together with an independent working group to report on improvements with the protection process.

Let us face it - Ireland cannot and should not be an easy touch for all to exploit because of our generous and giving nature. Our citizens have suffered serious cuts in recent years in social protection services. The Department has also worked diligently to seek out and reduce fraudulent claims. The Bill would have the potential for any and all to jump on board and to make false claims, thus further impacting on services and affecting those who genuinely are in distress and seeking assistance.Do we really need to scrutinise each Department to see the possible further negative, knock-on effects this Bill would create in, for example, housing, health and education? Need I say more?