Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have spoken on this issue a number of times previously. I welcome and support this report and congratulate the committee members on the work they have done. In the context of reports that have come from committees, in my brief time in the Dáil, this is one of the best we have seen. It is clear and concise and makes some excellent recommendations. I commend the committee and welcome the opportunity to speak in favour of the report.

Our direct provision system is not fit for purpose. It is a stain on the nation. The Government has done much in a relatively short period and in general has prioritised the right issues. However, we must not leave this issue on the table. When it comes to the next election, I do not want this issue to be in the manifesto of Fine Gael, the Labour Party or any other party. I want this to be an issue for which we have found a conclusion, a proper and definitive answer as to how we will reform and change our system.

I commend the work the Minister of State has done and the personal interest he has taken in this issue and look forward to the report that is due to be issued at the end of this month. I urge the Minister of State to act on that report immediately. If we do not act on it, a resolution of this issue will be delayed. Other governments have blamed the failure to act on delays, but let us not find ourselves blaming the calling of the next election for a delay that means we do not have the chance of dealing with it in time. The Minister of State will get all the support he needs from backbenchers for whatever work he tries to do following the report.

On previous occasions, when discussing this issue in the House, I have had the opportunity to speak about the personal stories that I and others dealing with this issue have come across. I first got involved in politics six years ago and from the first day people came to me with their stories. I heard stories of mental health difficulties, abuse of power in the provision centres and bullying. I heard stories from this almost hidden community in our society. These people are almost lost within Irish life. Now, because this situation has gone on for so long, the majority of the stories we hear are about children who have grown up in direct provision. The only memories they have are of direct provision. How have we allowed this to happen and what does it say about this country in this day and age?

Other speakers have referred to the problems these people will have as a result. This is a terrible legacy for them. The impact of the system on children from a young age is that this becomes their life. Unfortunately, it is not something they can get away from easily. Adults have also had a difficult time, and I have come across many of these. As they have moved into nationalisation and become citizens, they have found reasons to hope and be happy and have begun to rebuild their lives. This has not happened without difficulty, but they have got that chance. However, it is far more difficult for a child who has only known this system. It is wrong that children have grown up in this system.

I support the recommendations. I also believe we need to introduce an amnesty, because what was meant to be a temporary system - for six months or more - has evolved into a more permanent system. On average the process takes four years, although I have met people who are in the system far longer. This is our fault, but it is also our responsibility. I believe these people deserve an amnesty and that we should make them citizens. This should be one of the recommendations the Minister of State makes when he finally gets the opportunity to resolve the situation. I commend the report and the work he has done. It is one of the best reports to have come through the House since I was elected to it.

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