Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Direct provision needs to be reviewed in its entirety because it has become an institutional form of living. Many asylum seekers have been waiting more than five years to have their asylum application processed. That leads them to live in accommodation that is entirely unsuitable for them for prolonged periods. They are banned from taking up work, live in a state of idleness and are confined to reception centres. They do not have an opportunity to cook; they are eating in canteens at set hours and it has become an institutional form of life. The right to employment is still denied to them but hopefully it will be rectified in the coming weeks. Children living in direct provision suffer greatly just as children living in homeless situations do. They live in fear for their personal safety even in the centres. There are 35 centres around the country, which are mobile homes, converted hotels or such like. The accommodation is cramped and overcrowded. It costs €50 million to fund direct provision. The money could be spent in a much different way.

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