THE Government has failed to agree proposals to allow work permits for asylum-seekers, despite discussing the issue for three hours at yesterday's Cabinet meeting.
A Government spokesman said more time was needed to consider the plans, which will now be the subject of further talks between the Tanaiste, the Minister for Justice, and officials from both their Departments.
It is hoped to bring the proposed legislation back to Cabinet "within weeks". But while the spokesman said yesterday's discussion was wide-ranging, there were indications last night that the stalemate was a continuation of the row between the Progressive Democrats and the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue.
PD sources said last night the party remained committed to allowing asylum-seekers be granted work permits after a fixed period. "We see no reason why asylum applicants should be forced into a life of complete dependency on the State," the sources added.
Mr O'Donoghue and the PDs have clashed before on the issue, with Mr O'Donoghue rejecting a call by the PDs' Ms Liz O'Donnell for work permits. "Giving a right to work would simply create another `pull' factor, which would put further pressure on the asylum-processing system and continue to delay recognition for genuine refugees in need of protection," Mr O'Donoghue said at the time.
However, Cabinet agreed in principle late last year for a "twintrack" approach to asylum-seekers, with anti-trafficking measures by the Department of Justice and the issue of work permits by Ms Harney's Department of Enterprise and Employment, pending asylum decisions.
Work permits would be issued to employers rather than the individuals concerned, and the proposals would have allowed employers to apply for permits in respect of asylum-seekers, after a lapse of time. The move was partly an attempt to "clean up" an area governed by statutory order rather than primary legislation.
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