Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State. He may recall that when he was Chairman of this committee, we visited Portugal to see how it dealt with reception centres. Back then in 2013 or 2014, direct provision in this country was different from today. Today some of our reception centres compare favourably with what we witnessed in Portugal. Engagement with NGOs has borne fruit. There is probably little any NGO could suggest to be done that is not being done.

There will always be challenges. There was an issue in a direct provision centre in Meelick just outside Limerick where somebody could not get a cup of tea or something. As soon as it was brought to the attention of the RIA, it was dealt with quickly. There will be incidents where incidents happen in reception centres that are dealing with people. It is commendable that when something is raised, it is dealt with. I encourage everybody who is aware of matters that should not be happening to bring them to the Minister of State's attention.

Do any recommendations of the McMahon report remain to be implemented or is he satisfied that at this stage all the recommendations to be implemented have been implemented?