Skip to main content
Normal View

Select Committee on Legislation and Security debate -
Wednesday, 5 Oct 1994

SECTION 6.

Question proposed: "That section 6 stand part of the Bill."

Could the Minister indicate when is it intended to give effect to these orders because I fear passing legislation which allows an indefinite period before it takes effect? Will the Minister to give an undertaking to have the orders take effect within a reasonable period, for example before Christmas. I know there are problems with the ratification of the Dublin Convention and the committee, or the Dáil, should be given the opportunity to debate this issue but I object in principal to passing sections of this type. It has the effect of passing legislation and then suspending it and that is not the way to do business.

I have no intention of postponing the enactment of this legislation. I want the establishment day, for the purpose of the Act, to be as soon as possible after its passing.

I could not give a commitment that it will come into effect before Christmas because we must complete Committee Stage here and Report and Final Stages in the Dáil before the Bill is placed for full debate before the Seanad. If I agree to amendments in the Seanad, the Bill would have to be brought before the Dáil. Once the Bill is passed there is a certain amount of training and recruitment to be done, for example for the Refugee Applications Board.

It is not my intention that this Bill be delayed. I want to see it coming into force as quickly as possible because I have given a commitment to openness and transparency in the way we deal with refugees. All our discussions have been to improve the Bill and make it open and transparent. The sooner its terms come into force the better for everybody. Most particularly it will make life much easier for officials of my Department who deal with refugees so I have no reason to delay or postpone its enactment at all.

Question put and agreed to.
Top
Share