David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have raised the question of direct provision over a long number of years. I actually prepared legislation on it, which has been introduced twice. It is on the Order Paper, so it could be moved at any time.

This decision was interesting because it was a unanimous decision of the seven-person Supreme Court. As has been stated, the case was taken by a Burmese man who has been eight years in direct provision. It has been adjourned for six months to see what the Oireachtas will do about it. This situation has been in place since 1996. There are currently 3,500 asylum seekers ready to work but who are barred from doing so.

I speak with some strength on this matter because when my Bill was introduced in the last Seanad, we had the numbers to put it through and I had the support of Sinn Féin. However, extraordinarily, at the last moment, Sinn Féin withdrew its support and the Bill collapsed. I say to Sinn Féin that it could have had this matter addressed-----