International Protection Bill 2026: Committee Stage
Dail Éireann — 2026-02-18
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Roderic O'Gorman (GP), Dublin West

I share many of the concerns raised by colleagues in terms of the process being adopted here and the fact that we are treating some really valuable amendments via a committee of the whole Dáil rather than at the justice committee. I am not sure what went on and why it is not going to the justice committee.
From my own experience, allowing committees to delve into amendments and tease out the various consequences of both the initial draft and what is being proposed by Deputies is actually useful. It will often reveal flaws in existing drafts and Report Stage gives Ministers and Departments the opportunities to make those important clarifications and changes so you are not dragged back in six months' or a year's time with an amending piece of legislation. Notwithstanding that, we are here and we have eight hours today. I welcome the fact there is no guillotine today but, as other Deputies have referenced, I have a concern that one may come about next week and it will be opposed.
There is a lot of merit to amendment No. 1 that Deputy Carthy brought forward. This Bill represents the biggest change in our migration system in decades. It is a change that is necessary but it is not just a case of changing the legislation. We know for this new law to be implemented, we need to change processes and massively increase resources within the system. Having that degree of confidence that the processes and resources are being changed and increased at the same time that the legislation is being changed would be really valuable. It would even be valuable for the Government so it could make the case we are not just changing the law, we are actually upscaling our State's ability to process international protection first instance applications and appeals at speed so people can have more confidence in this system.
The report that would have flowed from the amendment Deputy Carthy brought forward would actually have had real benefit and merit. Even now, in terms of bringing this forward, there may be an opportunity later on for the Minister to consider that and how he can convey that this is not just a legal change but it is a resourcing change as well and is something that ensures this Bill can be operationalised once it is passed.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-02-18/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:39+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-02-18