Written answers

Thursday, 12 June 2014

Department of Justice and Equality

Proposed Legislation

Photo of Maureen O'SullivanMaureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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170. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will keep immigration reform as a priority on her Department's agenda; if she will ensure that legislation introduced and intended to be published will be done within the time frame given; if she will ensure that the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill will be published by the end of this year as previously indicated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25045/14]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government remains committed to immigration reform as provided for under the Programme for Government and under the Government Legislation Programme. Since my appointment as Minister for Justice and Equality, I have been considering the many and varied issues that have arisen, and continue to arise, in relation to this key area of statutory reform. Quite clearly significant legislative reform is required in this area - not least because of evolving jurisprudence and developments elsewhere. Moreover, some of the reform measures required are patently more urgent than others. For example, legislating to provide the means for a single procedure and related issues to deal with all protection claims is of priority in that it will provide the legislative framework for removing the structural delays which are a feature of our existing protection system. I am particularly anxious, therefore, to ensure that legislation to deal at least with the more urgent issues is brought forward this year. In that respect work by my officials on legislative reform in this area continues including in conjunction with the Offices of the Attorney General and of the Parliamentary Counsel.

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