Oireachtas backs opt-in to EU asylum directive

The Oireachtas has endorsed the Government’s proposal to opt-in to the EU (recast) Reception Conditions Directive.

The Directive provides a legislative framework for the provision of reception conditions and related supports for asylum seekers.

This includes access to the labour market, a critical issue following the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in NVH v Minister for Justice and Equality .

An interdepartmental group set up following the ruling recommended the Government go beyond the issue of labour market access and instead bring Ireland into line with other EU member states on asylum.

The Government will now notify the European Council and Commission of its decision to opt-in and the Commission will consider Ireland’s compliance, a process which will take four months.

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said: “Following two positive debates in the Oireachtas today, the Government will now move at speed to begin the compliance process required by the EU.

“Opting in to the Directive will be positive for applicants as it involves important provisions in respect of labour market access, children’s rights, healthcare, education and material reception conditions. An Implementation Group with membership drawn from across a wide range of Government departments and services is working intensively to ensure Ireland can comply with the Directive’s requirements and complete the opt-in process as quickly as possible.

“The Government shares the commitment of members on all sides of the Oireachtas to see continued improvements to our international protection system and opting-in to this Directive provides an important EU framework for agreed norms and standards. I welcome the positive engagement by Oireachtas members in this important policy area and their contributions to the debates in the Houses today.”