Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I did not get an answer to my question as to what in my amendments constrains future action. We might consider this issue further in the Seanad. I just do not accept it is the case. Sometimes, bald statements are made but I am not sure there is anything to substantiate this one.

As I outlined, there are currently three tiers of provision. First is the direct provision system that has been in place for some 20 years, which has a certain amount of regulation although it is not anything like adequate. Second is the emergency accommodation that has been provided ad hocin the interim period. Now there will be a third type of provision in the designated centres. These three types of provision are not anywhere near the kind of accommodation we might like to provide but the emergency circumstances are such that accommodation needs to be sourced and provided as quickly as possible. If we are to provide a bare-minimum standard of care, it is important that there be some sort of mechanism for inspection of the new centres. I do not know what authority will be responsible for that. I would like some clarity in that regard.

I again make the point that it probably was a mistake in regard to the temporary protection directive and the international protection legislation of 2015 to create a difference between international protection applicants and temporary protection beneficiaries, with the latter placed outside the international protection system. It is right to bring them in line, both those arriving after this legislation is introduced and very likely, over time, those who are here already, albeit that needs to be done in a tapered and sensible way that ensures there is adequacy. It is important that we consider whether the payment that is made to international protection applicants is adequate.

I think that is a reasonable question that should be put. It has not matched the pressures that exist because of the cost of living crisis.

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