Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Kim for putting the important issue of direct provision firmly on the agenda today. I do not think anybody wants to see the direct provision system continue. Direct provision does not work and that is why we need to change it. In addition, we must look at it in the context of now and the bigger picture.

All the witnesses spoke with so much pride. It was good to hear that there is a need to compromise when it comes to a constitutional future and that we must ensure we respect each other's identities. As much as I might have a very strong sense of my identity, and I am proud of it, but somebody else can have a different identity yet be equally as proud. The census in the North shows the emergence of a more pluralist sense of identity and that is positive. We need to take that into consideration, yet be mindful and respectful of everyone's identities.