Minister for Justice, John O'Donoghue, new initiatives for asylum seekers
The Minister for Justice John O'Donoghue has announced a set of initiatives to address the asylum seekers issue. In a statement, he said the cabinet was going to immediately establish an agency to deal with the reception of asylum seekers and the integration of refugees. The cabinet has also agreed a range of short-term measures on accommodation. Short to medium term accommodation will be provided for 2,000 asylum seekers in hotels, guesthouses and hostels. A thousand asylum seekers will be placed in mobile homes and a further 1,0000 in so called flotels - board ships.
The government has approved the Tanaiste's plans for a new Labour Market Immigration Policy. Under the new work visa scheme, moves will begin immediately to attract non-EU workers to work in a number of professions including information technology, nursing and construction. It is expected that up to 6,000 workers will be offered visas annually under the scheme
