Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis na finnéithe go leir as a bheith anseo. Bhí an díospóireacht an-luachmhar. I thank all the witnesses for being before us. I very much agree with the criticism they have made. We have had this debate over recent weeks, including with Mr. Justice McMahon. While there may be points to incremental improvements, fundamentally direct provision is a bad system that continues to fail people's human rights. I believe that not only has it lost the confidence of those in the system who have to suffer it, it has also lost the confidence of the public.

Even aside from the multiple human rights issues that exist in respect of it, it has been very bad value for money as well. I have instanced that it has cost the taxpayer €12.5 billion since 2001. To house, if we want to call it that, a parent with two children costs €40,000 a year through the direct provision system. Much better and more private accommodation with greater dignity could be provided at much less cost than that. From every perspective, the direct provision system is in urgent need of replacement. What has been outlined is very much in accordance with my own views in terms of an integrated housing approach. I advocated such an approach with the Minister in December last. Even in response to Deputy O'Callaghan's points in terms of justice in housing, it is like any of these matters in that there has to be an intersection. The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government cannot be expected to be responsible for making a determination on a person's application for international protection, but in so much as the person is to be provided with accommodation where that is needed immediately, there needs to be a housing approach to that. Certain approved housing bodies can have a role in that. I believe the private for-profit model that has underpinned this has been a significant problem. The Children's Rights Alliance has dwelt a fair bit on this. Is Dr. Thornton in agreement with that kind of approach that involves either approved housing bodies or some form of initiative led by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government or by public housing? Is that roughly what Dr. Thornton thinks? I note there are many other issues relating to direct provision but I ask only in terms of bed and board accommodation.