Ms Celine Kennelly:

Wellness services have always been a large part of what the centres have provided. As Ms Leonard Dibra said, the range of what we do is significant. Covid-19 has brought many issues to the forefront and has exacerbated a lot of the mental health and wellness issues that many of our community members see. We are not just talking about in the undocumented community, which has been the primary focus for many of the immigration centres, but we are also seeing those issues across the gamut. They are impacting visa holders, undocumented immigrants, green card holders and US citizens. Covid has created a sense of distance. Many of our community members lost family members during the pandemic, some from Covid-related illness and most not. It has certainly created an increased need for programming at our end.

One of the most important things that the centres provide is cultural competency when it comes to social service programming. We can all safely say that the Irish are not the best at seeking assistance, mental health and wellness services, or opening up to hard conversations. The availability of Irish centres means that there is an Irish voice at the end of the phone or there is somebody who, if they do not have an Irish accent, will greet people seeking support with an Irish saying. It allows the callers to know they are coming into a safe space, almost as if they are coming home. Some centres refer Irish people in need of support onward and other centres provide services in-house. Both models work well and are successful.

The best support committee members and Oireachtas Members can provide is through continued funding to allow us to continue to provide services. They must also support the organisations in Ireland, including the Crosscare Migrant Project, Safe Home Ireland and the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas. All of those service organisations are partners of all of the centres of the United States. It is important to ensure they also remain supported.

On the question about people returning to Ireland, there is a challenge for access to services. Mr. Staunton has also raised this matter and he might jump in with any comments in that regard. Access to driver's licences is an issue. There are also issues with regard to insurance, opening bank accounts and accessing healthcare. At the moment, we are working with a number of families who, for a variety of reasons, would be better off at home. They would have support systems, family and friends around them at home. Some of those people are going home with significant health issues and in need of additional support that is not available to them in the United States. Having those support services on the ground is extremely important. Mr. Staunton may have something to add on people who are returning to Ireland.