Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their evidence, the detail of which is useful. I concur with the Chairman's comments about visiting the centre. Hopefully, the RIA will attend the committee. If there is to be an oversight mechanism, should it constitute random access for NGOs or something else? We as elected representatives can be in the same position as Doras Luimní, in that we must ask permission to visit people in direct provision centres. Should the oversight mechanism allow for random access by elected representatives? We should be able to visit constituents in those centres when we wish and not at the behest of the likes of the RIA.

The Ombudsman's remit is good, but Ms McHugh also mentioned the Office of the Ombudsman for Children and its oversight role. The former Ombudsman, Ms Emily Logan, has given evidence to the committee and we share her concerns. Should we note anything specific about her former office's level of oversight ahead of any contact we might have or report we might make as regards issues relating to children?

I was aware of the issue with contracting from other work being done in the Houses. We are spending approximately €53 million per year on centres directly. Are the witnesses telling me that, despite this, there is no auditing of a substantial nature at national level, we have no accounts for many of the companies in question, there is no oversight of their corporate governance and we do not know how the money is being spent? That would be incredible. I was afraid that it might be the case, but the witnesses might clarify the situation. If it is the case, should the issue be raised with the Committee of Public Accounts so as to determine how the €53 million per year of State funding is being spent?

I have been working on this issue for a number of years, but how many asylum seekers are not housed in direct provision? How are they dealt with and do they have a complaints mechanism to address their issues? The witnesses, as organisations, and linking with the Chairman's comments-----