Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is a permeability between communities and direct provision centres. Many voluntary organisations, such as the Jesuits or local community centres, have engagement with families and children. Direct provision varies hugely internationally in terms of the services provided, such as housing. In Sweden, an apartment or some accommodation is provided, whereas other countries have very poor accommodation. Ireland is generally considered to have high standards in terms of inspections but the major problem is the length of the process. It is very complicated. It will not change until new legislation comes from the Department of Justice and Equality. Children spend up to six years in direct provision. We must focus on quality. Deputy McLellan also referred to this issue. We must put more focus on the experience these children have. I met with officials of the Minister, Deputy Shatter, to engage further on that point. They will work on it.

The Senator raised questions about funding for youth work, which I have dealt with. I have no intention at present of doing what was outlined in the question. As is clear from the comments of Ms Hazlett, dealing with 33 administering bodies means there is room for some rationalisation. We also need more information from local VECs. The quality of the information coming back to the Department needs to be stronger. Clearer information is required and we have a set of demands of local VECs that we would like to see met. We have discussed this with the CEO of the VECs. I accept points made by the Chair on the efforts at organising funding nationally. It is challenging. Equally, having 33 administrative bodies is not feasible. I am conscious of the role local VECs play and I want to see it continuing but there is room for efficiencies and better administration.

I appreciate the points made by Deputy Naughten about the audit, which will be published shortly. He was told this before-----