Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to be afforded an opportunity to speak on this issue. The system of direct provision for asylum seekers was 15 years old earlier this year. This issue has certainly led to much substantial debate, some of it informed and some of it misinformed. I would not say that some of the commentary sometimes borders on the hysterical, but it is certainly not always informed. Many issues have been raised about the duration of people's stays in direct provision and the impact this can have on family life and on children. The question of the right to work has also been raised. Deputy Mac Lochlainn summed it up when he said that the restrictions imposed on those in direct provision mean it is like being "in what is essentially a prison, except that one can go for a walk". It is not really conducive to family life and the best ways of rearing children, etc. Other issues have been raised, including the need for the weekly allowance of €19.10 per adult and €9.60 per child to be increased. Issues relating to accommodation quality, access to third level education, mental health and transition from direct provision have also been highlighted.

As I said, over 15 years have passed since this system was drawn up as an Irish solution to an Irish problem. When efforts were being made at that time to find accommodation for asylum seekers in direct provision, guesthouses, hotels and other buildings that were fit for purpose, or sometimes not fit for purpose, were brought into use. In many cases, landlords, businessmen and entrepreneurs were following the money more than they were providing the correct service. We have come a long way since then. Many asylum seekers were accommodated in smaller towns around the country where they did not have direct access to public transport. We have moved a long way and we are now providing better accommodation, but it can always improve.

I take this opportunity to commend the work of the Joint Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions, which has clearly found that the system is not fit for purpose. In a statement of priorities in 2014, this Government indicated that it is very much committed to addressing the issue of the direct provision system. This includes the introduction of a single application procedure for asylum seekers and the establishment of an independent working group to report to the Government on improvements in direct provision and support for asylum seekers. As we know from the report of the working group, a protection process is now imminent.

The direct provision system was a policy response 15 years ago to an accommodation crisis, when asylum seeker numbers increased from 362 applicants in 1994 to 7,724 in 1999 and a peak of 11,634 in 2002. The cost to the State of making direct provision arrangements has gone down, but it is clearly unacceptable that the average stay in direct provision facilities is four years. It is reported that in some cases residents have been in such facilities for up to 14 years. Dr. Colletta Dalikeni, a lecturer who has carried out much research in the area, raises some important insights about asylum-seeking families, many of whom are living at the margins of Irish societies. She states that many of these families and social workers are caught between the child protection and immigration system, and there are clear questions of how to marry the legal framework with the need for an appropriate humanistic approach to complex issues.

Surmounting the challenges will certainly not be easy, but I am confident that the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, will introduce procedures to speed up the process that has seen some asylum seekers spending years in direct provision centres. It is fair to say that all stakeholders now know the problems, and we must find solutions. Not only should we make the system more respectful to applicants; we must also think about how it can be less costly to the taxpayer. Vast sums of money were thrown at this serious problem which did not address the core issue. It helped make many would-be entrepreneurs much richer, but they did not provide the correct service.

As we are discussing direct provision, asylum seekers and people seeking citizenship, a most encouraging aspect is the number of what have effectively become Irish citizenship days in the Convention Centre. Many asylum seekers have taken the oath to our nation to become Irish citizens and they are proud to do so. The joy on the day is something that must be seen to be believed. I know many who have taken part and they ring me on the day they become Irish citizens. I am very proud that these people are so happy to be accepted into our country, and I know they and their families will be valued members of our communities and the nation. They will go on to ensure that Ireland will remain a great nation.

There are a few issues that should be mentioned. I have heard some anecdotal evidence in the past two or three days about one issue in particular, although I know much has been done. This anecdotal evidence indicates that many people are coming to this country through the UK, taking the ferry from there to Northern Ireland, where there is an open border. There seems to be much welfare fraud, although I know it is being tackled. I hope this House will be able to debate that issue in future days and weeks. It seems many people are now getting married to European citizens but after seven years these can be seen as sham marriages. I know these issues are being raised as anecdotal evidence. In the past few days I met two different people who raised that matter. It would be remiss of me not to mention that there are difficulties and problems. We need to get answers. I understand the Department of Social Protection has done much work in tackling welfare fraud, but we must do more. I look forward to a debate on that as well.

This is a welcome report, as the people in direct provision are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. They deserve our protection and a solution to a long-outstanding issue. I hope the Government, along with other Members in the House, can help to solve this difficult issue and overcome the unnecessary delays. I look forward to debating these issues in the coming weeks.

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