Ms Pako Mokoba:

We had many people in our hostel who had mental health issues which were not taken seriously. In one case of which I am aware, a woman cannot go from the hostel because of the mental space she is in. She has been in the system for nine years. Now that she has finally been given freedom, she cannot walk into that freedom, which is very sad. People are in the system for years without being allowed to go to work or school. People who are finally given leave to stay after being in direct provision accommodation are told at the social welfare office that they must look for work. However, most employers want people with experience. How are people to get that experience while they are in the system? How do we obtain the qualifications that will help us to find work when our immigration status is confirmed? People who are given the opportunity to stay in Ireland do not want to remain on social welfare; they want to work and contribute to the economy.

Last Friday, 17 October, was International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, an annual initiative by the United Nations. Ireland is part of that effort to end poverty for all citizens. I found myself wondering last Friday whether there was any consideration for asylum seekers in direct provision accommodation. They are living in poverty and have no address. Even though we have a roof over our heads, we are effectively homeless.