A small working group within the Government is examining a possible amnesty for asylum-seekers in the State, the Tanaiste said. "No decision has been made yet," Ms Harney added.
She was replying to the Democratic Left leader, Mr Proinsias De Rossa, who called for an amnesty, adding: "If the Three Wise Men arrived here tonight, the likelihood is that they would be deported."
He was supported by the Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, who urged speedy Government action on the matter.
Ms Harney said that there were problems relating to the Refugee Act because of a pending law case. However, the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, had made administrative arrangements and no genuine asylum-seeker would be deported or stopped coming in to the State, she added.
"Obviously, we will honour our international obligations on this matter," said Ms Harney.