Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

VIP visits are important to the State's conduct of its business and to our international relations. The Government is often not in immediate control of the timing or extent of such visits. In that regard, it is important that security issues are met to ensure the smooth conduct of such visits. They are not new and I have no doubt they will continue. I accept that they are the main reason for this Supplementary Estimate. As Minister, I am keen to ensure that we manage our budgets in a way that obviates the need for Supplementary Estimates. We have discussed this at the committee in the past. Suffice it to say that the Supplementary Estimate we are discussing is, by and large, a result of a visit from the President of the US and a visit by the Vice President later in the year. I would not call the visits unexpected or unannounced. They are part and parcel of the work of the State. Having regard to the special relationship between Ireland and the US, it was essential that an appropriate welcome to the State was given, with all of the attendant security issues attached thereto.

On the matter of direct provision, this is one of the greatest challenges within the Department. It is not possible to say with certainty the amount that will have to be expended next year. I point to the two committees Deputy Connolly mentioned. One of these, the interdepartmental committee is of great importance as it acknowledges that direct provision requires a whole-of-Government response rather than a response from the Department only. We must engage with the Departments of Education and Skills, Health, Rural and Community Development and Housing, Planning and Local Government. I agree with Deputy Connolly that we have almost 850 overstayers, as they may be regarded. These are people who have been given status and who are in a position to work and engage in our society and economy in the same manner as Irish citizens but who are unable to transition. This is why I acknowledge the work of housing agencies, particularly Depaul Ireland and the Peter McVerry Trust, and the local authorities in ensuring a reasonably smooth transition.