John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their report. Are the numbers increasing, decreasing or remaining steady? How is the current crisis in the Mediterranean affecting people coming here, wanting to come here or trying to get here by whatever means? The issue of the 500 people who are in direct provision centres but are qualified to move out is worrying. One would think that after spending so long in a direct provision service a person would do literally anything. The witness made the point that getting off the ground is very difficult. It is very difficult for anybody. My background is working with people at local authority level. I helped many people to get local authority housing. The local welfare office and the local council office provide assistance to people getting started with regard to cooking equipment, bedding and the like. Is the same service not available to refugees who have received their papers?