Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have a question on this Vote, in conclusion. Perhaps it is unfair and the Minister may not have the information immediately to hand. Does the Minister know the average length of stay of individuals or families in direct provision centres? Does he know the longest period of time spent, either currently or historically, in direct provision? Nobody in this room would not concur that the most objectionable aspect of all this is that in some cases, people are in direct provision, with their lives suspended, for years. There would be a general acceptance of direct provision as long as it was always understood that it was short term. It baffles me that it takes so long to process individual applications. It is better to have a result that is reflective of the facts and information to hand rather than this suspension of peoples' lives, which is soul destroying for them, particularly where there are children involved. It is absolutely dreadful. I have to say this is the area that causes greatest concern in my opinion.