Niall Collins, the party’s justice spokesman, said that Ireland could not ignore the plight of migrants here while advocating the cause of illegal Irish workers in the US.

“Our current policy on undocumented migrants in Ireland is in stark contrast to our sustained campaign on the plight of undocumented Irish in the US.

“There are strong humanitarian, economic, and pragmatic grounds for addressing the situation facing the tens of thousands of undocumented migrants living here.

“Our proposals would allow them to earn residency rights, thereby removing them from the black market and encouraging integration into normal community life in Ireland.”

However, Fianna Fáil insists the move would not amount to an amnesty for economic migrants working here illegally, or act as a magnet for others to follow.

“The scheme would only be available to migrants who can prove they have been living in Ireland for a number of years. Applicants must pay a levy to apply for the scheme.

"And they must achieve a series of appropriate measures of integration before they can earn temporary or permanent residency rights. Anyone with a serious criminal conviction or who submits false information in their application will be disqualified.

“Once admitted to the scheme, applicants will be issued with 12-month residency permission which will entitle them to get a job, set up a business or engage education or training.

"They will then be required to accrue a minimum number of credits to successfully complete the scheme. They can earn credits through social integration, working and paying tax, training and learning English and, or, Irish.”