Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 25 September 2019

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality

Direct Provision: Discussion with Ombudsman

Photo of Bríd SmithBríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

That brings me to my final point. I have read the report of the Ombudsman for Children and listened to what Mr. Tyndall has said. The Department of Justice and Equality has a role in the matter. Mr. Justice Bryan McMahon did a big piece of work, in which he recommended that we end the system of direct provision, but instead it is increasing in size. There are the multiple problems of the housing crisis, the health crisis and mental health crisis. These are all issues on which we have touched. There should be an holistic approach taken to how we treat asylum seekers and refugees. I was very struck by what Deputy Connolly said when she spoke about what she believed was the vacuum in a place such Oughterard. Deputy Pringle also gave witness to the fact that there would be a kerfuffle if a centre was to open, but once it opens, there are no problems with people living in it or being in the local town or community. There can be an information vacuum, but there is also a responsibility on all of us not to be negative and give cause for hatred, racism and negative perceptions.

In this case, we have one responsible local Deputy like Catherine Connolly and another totally irresponsible one like Deputy Grealish, whose remarks should be withdrawn. What he said is outrageous. I am directing these comments at the public as much as at anybody else. Now that Deputy Grealish has opened up that chink, others are trying to follow him and compete with him by saying they are shocked by Africans coming over here and sponging off our system. With every hungry belly comes a pair of hands and a brain, and we should utilise that opportunity to give people the right to work and engage in society. The responsibility for what is happening lies with the system itself, because putting 300 asylum seekers, climate refugees or economic migrants into small towns and villages deprives them of a better opportunity to work, integrate, and access education and healthcare. The entire system begs questions, but we are dealing with it in salami slices. The witnesses, including the Ombudsman for Children, are doing a bit, as are many NGOs, but that method is not going to work. It will not come together like that. I thank the witnesses for their report, recommendations, and observations. It has been very helpful having them here today.

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