Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

The phrase "internal complaints systems" was used and reflects the difficulty that it will be an internal process, regardless of whether the central manager or the Reception and Integration Agency is involved. The 5,300 people concerned are in a difficult position and do not necessarily wish to draw attention to themselves. In the opinion of the agencies involved, some independent mechanism would engender greater confidence. As for the role of the Ombudsman, in terms of asylum Ireland was a very different place in 1980 and were the Office of the Ombudsman to be involved in a more formal role, an independent system within the Reception and Integration Agency might not be necessary. Given the number of asylum seekers and the extent to which the position in the country has changed since 1980, I again ask the Minister to consider the involvement of the Ombudsman.

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