THE final stages of the Refugee Bill were passed last night in the Seanad. More than 13 hours of debate were heard over the past few weeks. Mr Michael Mulcahy of Fianna Fail was one of the main contributors.
A number of amendments to the Bill were dealt with yesterday including whether someone can seek employment in this State while applying for asylum.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms Joan Burton, said the number of people seeking asylum here is rising. Already this year there had been 438 applications.
She said that if the regulations here are "excessively liberal" Ireland would be targeted and the prospects of Irish people looking for employment undermined.
Mr Joe O'Toole (Ind) said he was not seeking an unrestricted right of access. Following a vote the motion was defeated.