I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 189 together.
Proposals for the draft scheme to regularise undocumented migrants are being developed in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to bring forward a regularisation scheme within 18 months of the formation of the Government, to create new pathways for long-term undocumented people and their dependents. Applicants will need to meet specific criteria and these will be formed with a clear consideration of Ireland's European Union (EU) and Common Travel Area (CTA) commitments.
Our consultation process has provided an opportunity for stakeholders to express their views on the proposed approach to the scheme. My Department continues to work to finalise the details, including eligibility considerations and qualifying criteria.
As I have outlined, eligibility for this regularisation scheme will be determined by specific criteria, and is guided by research, including the learning from previous regularisation schemes, such as the 2018 Student Scheme. Those operated by other EU Member States are also being considered in its development.
As outlined in the Justice Plan 2021, we will launch the scheme later this year and work is underway in my Department to give effect to this commitment, with the scheme opening to applications before the end of year.
