Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming today. This has been a real education for me. I would not know much about this area. I remember my mother told me years ago that if I do not know something, not to be afraid to ask questions.

Is it correct that there are approximately 6,000 people living in direct provision? What information do we have on the people who live in direct provision? Do we have statistics? How many are living in State accommodation and how many are living in private accommodation? What benefits are the asylum seekers entitled to? It was stated earlier that some of the people living in these asylum centres had qualifications, such as plumbers and carpenters. In recent months I have been contacted by painting, plumbing and electrical contractors who are experiencing a massive shortage of workers. They have been in constant contact with the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Humphreys, about the work permit scheme for taking people from countries outside the European Union. I wish to address questions to Mr. Justice McMahon and Mr. O'Neill. Later I will have a question for Mr. Killoran. As a member who does not really know much about the asylum system but who is willing to learn, will the witnesses educate me on what is going on?