Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not believe the Chairman made a fair comparison. We have international obligations to asylum seekers. We have had the Mahon report, an Ombudsman's report and so on; therefore, the changes have been wrought from the system.

I welcome Mr. O'Driscoll's openness and honesty and the straightness of all of his companions. It is very helpful. I would not like to send a message that the system is overwhelmed. I looked back at the Comptroller and Auditor General's chapter and noted that in 2015 there were 4,696 people in the system. Today there are 6,106. I do not believe these are overwhelming figures. One has to take out the 700-plus people with status. Really there has not been a massive jump. What has happened is that there is a housing crisis and alternatives were never considered. Repeatedly, before this committee, in terms of achieving value for money, alternatives were never considered. To touch on what the Chairman said, there is a belief those concerned are lucky to get what they get. I appreciate the witnesses' openness and honesty and I am returning it. I would not like the aforesaid message to be sent.

I have a couple of quick questions. Mr. Justice Murray produced a report at some stage. I remember reading it and did not bring it with me. There were references in it to serious issues related to a directive and data privacy. What happened as a result of it? The EU directive was no longer valid and had been withdrawn. If the witnesses do not know the answer, I do not mind. I remember reading the report and being shocked at the findings of Mr. Justice Murray. Legislation was to be enacted, but I do not believe it ever was.

The more specific question is about the integration fund, which is a very positive fund. When I read the annual report or one of the reports, I note that it is stated there is €50 million in the fund. I refer to the asylum, migration and integration fund which is mentioned on page 22. There are credits, which is extraordinary. There is an estimated provision of €1.5 million and the outturn was lower. These are just the specifics. Am I wrong that the moneys are coming from a fund of €50 million over a period to help in achieving integration?