Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am interested in the witnesses' views on private operators. In 2018, the State paid €72 million to private firms operating direction provision centres. Many of these operators are offshore companies, which means there is secrecy and a lack of information as to how much profit they are making. It is incredible that private companies are allowed to profit off extremely vulnerable people. It is very upsetting. When the profit motive is introduced, the concern becomes achieving a lower bottom line rather than the welfare of the people involved. If the State is responsible for the welfare of residents, should it be outsourcing that function to private companies?

What is the witnesses' view on the likelihood of legal action against the State? The special rapporteur on child protection has described the system of direct provision as State-sanctioned child poverty. Asylum seekers have talked about the misery endured by them in the centres and how their humanity was slowly taken away and their fundamental rights ignored. Two weeks ago, I spoke at an event marking ten years since the Ryan report into the abuse inflicted on people in industrial schools. Is there potential for the residents of these centres to take further court cases now or in the future seeking a State apology and redress scheme? Could a claim be made that basic constitutional rights or rights outlined in international human rights instruments are being violated?

Mr. Justice McMahon's comments on the victims of trafficking are extremely upsetting. It is shocking to hear that there are no services in place for those who went through such horrendous experiences and are effectively being left in a state of post-traumatic stress. I find it difficult even to listen to commentary about it. What would the witnesses like to see done in this area? Can they provide clarity as to why people are asked to leave after 60 days?