Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 February 2014
445. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he intends to publish a new Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill in view of the fact that the current Bill has been on Committee Stage since November 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6507/14]
View answer446. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the fact that the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill is on the C list and listed as being on Committee Stage since November 2010, if he will provide an update on the procedure of the Bill. [6513/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 445 and 446 together.
As I have outlined previously in my Written Reply to Question number 586 of 28 January 2014, and to the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, it is my considered view that, instead of engaging in an extremely cumbersome process of tabling hundreds of amendments to the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill of 2010, it would be much more efficient to publish a new and enhanced text. This proposition has been broadly welcomed by the Joint Committee. Such an approach can take account of current Government policy while incorporating the many technical and other amendments anticipated. It also provides an opportunity to address the key policy issues including those referred to by the Deputy. Work on the Bill continues, therefore, on that basis, including in cooperation with the Offices of Parliamentary Counsel and of the Attorney General while also taking account of any relevant rulings by the Courts and any further submissions received. I therefore expect that work on the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill, which remains part of the Government's Legislation Programme, will be advanced to enable the publication of a new and enhanced version of the Bill later this year.
