Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

While I welcome any measure that will ameliorate the misery and suffering of people living in direct provision centres, does the Minister not agree it is time to close down these hell holes in which adults must live on €19 per week and children on €9.60 per week? There is no way to improve the experience of the residents of direct provision centres. We must recognise that conditions in them are a scandal. The Minister of State, Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, described the current position as intolerable and question after question is raised about the issue in the House, yet it is allowed to continue.

I agree that people should have access to decent food. The issue, however, is that they are being asked to live in humiliating and degrading conditions for long periods. Those who seek asylum should live in a normal environment while their applications are processed.

It is time to recognise that direct provision centres, the operation of which has been outsourced to private firms, are similar to the Magdalen laundries. Incidentally, some asylum seekers are living in former convents. This scandal should not continue.

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