Mr. Nick Henderson:

I was just checking on the national childcare scheme. My understanding regarding people in the protection process is that an asylum seeker who is working can access the national childcare scheme but somebody who is not working cannot do so. Programme refugees, who are resettled refugees, can access it but people in the protection process who have arrived spontaneously cannot do so. We have an integration strategy in Ireland but it does not include asylum seekers. It does not include people seeking protection. It starts upon being granted status. This is in contrast to Scotland, which has a new Scots integration from day one strategy. Looking at the Scottish experience, we believe it makes sense to support people in integration from day one even though people who come here may not stay and even though the Government may intend to deport or remove those who are unsuccessful in their applications.

Dr. Lannon hinted at this next point earlier. We have worked with people who have come here with huge enthusiasm, skills and optimism but this has deteriorated. The delays in the asylum process in this regard are crucial to this. We can do all these things and, as we have recognised, communities have huge power and ability. Ultimately, when it comes to the crunch, it is somebody simply waiting for a decision that does not come. People may deteriorate. Their mental health may deteriorate. People can also close up.