Ms Nuala Ward:

As the Cathaoirleach may be aware, we did a large investigation of accommodation for people seeking international protection in Ireland. We remain deeply concerned. We published a special report last year, for the first time in the history of the office, calling on the Government to cease the use of private commercial hotels and to look at the issue of congregated settings. These children do not live in normal circumstances. They live in massive establishments with many adults. It is not typical. There is no question that it will have an impact on these children as they grow up. We will continue to call on the Government to cease the use of commercial hotels.

Of course we have to welcome any non-profit approach and the purchase of State-owned properties but, again, the type of State-owned property is very important. We cannot keep this idea of large institutions for children. We will keep fighting for the rights of these children to live in the most normal way possible and to grow up in the most normal way possible. For us this is not just about direct provision. We think it is very important that children in emergency accommodation or who are homeless should not live in places where at a moment's notice they could be moved because their parents have no control over it. These children miss out on their friends, schools and networks. It is very damaging. We will continue to pursue this issue on behalf of children.