Ms Kim Mufaro Justen:

I thank the Senators for their comments and appreciate them having me here; it is a great thing in my life. I will try as much as I can to answer all of their questions in one go. I know we are a bit behind with time.

My understanding is that now with the current situation of direct provision, the waiting process is still there. I was in direct provision in 2017 and heard stories from some people who had been there for almost 12 years and they are still there. It is very important that we tease out what we, as Ireland, are supposed to do to reduce the time people are waiting in those situations because that will lead to mental health illnesses. You hears cases of people in direct provision committing suicide and we do not want that. We want people to understand that they are welcome and respected and they will be treated with dignity.

I have hope for the current discussion for the White Paper because the new system will change the whole narrative of the old system. It will give more protection to people and allows them to integrate into Ireland from day one with access to health, housing, education and employment. The system will also be grounded in the principles of human rights, respect for diversity and respect for privacy and families. Everyone wants privacy. I remember when I was in direct provision, I was sharing everything with someone that I did not know. In the new system, we hope that when others come to Ireland, they will not be sharing a room with someone that they do not know; they will have their own private section while they are waiting for approval.

Finally, how will we support young people who are living in direct provision or transitioning in direct provision, like myself? Youth work played an important role in my experience. Limerick Youth Service played a good role in my transitioning. In addition, we need to make sure we engage with people who are living in direct provision, so they are included in society and the Irish community and not excluded.