In addition to labour market access, the Directive also includes important provisions in relation to children’s rights, health, education and material reception conditions for applicants, which includes housing, food, clothing and a daily expenses allowance. Participation in the Directive will place the provision of material reception conditions for applicants, which are currently provided under the executive system of Direct Provision, on a statutory basis, underpinned by EU law, for the first time. I am aware that some of the Committee members have called for this action publicly in previous debates in the Houses. I do not wish to predetermine the outcome of the Oireachtas approval process as part of the opt-in procedure to the Directive, but if approved, the State will be required to fully demonstrate its compliance with all of the provisions of the Directive to the European Commission before it confirms our participation in the Directive. This will be a rigorous and transparent process, which will allow us to align the supports and reception conditions provided to applicants with the norms across the rest of the European Union Member States. I can assure the Committee members that we will make any changes required of us by the European Commission to confirm our compliance. We are committed to this process and my own department is leading an Implementation Group, established by Government, to oversee the opt-in procedure and the compliance process within the timeframe set by the Commission, which is four months.