In full: Department of Justice responds to Supreme Court asylum ruling

This is clearly an important judgement which may have significant implications for our asylum process.

The Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald and Minister of State David Stanton recently asked their officials to begin work to identify the options for and barriers to asylum seekers accessing the labour market in certain circumstances.

This judgement gives this work increased emphasis and priority.

We must also be mindful of any issues that could impact the Common Travel Area and ongoing Brexit negotiations.

As the judgement has only just come available, the Department of Justice & Equality officials together with the Office of the Attorney General will be examining it over the coming period.

It is also important to note the International Protection Act introducing the Single Application Procedure for protection applicants was brought through the Oireachtas by the Tánaiste and commenced on 30th December last.

This new Act is specifically designed to address the delays in decision making on asylum claims. Since the beginning of the year applications have already been decided with applicants having been recognised as refugees, who can access the labour market.