Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and acknowledge the work he is doing in this regard and that he has made himself available to discuss the matter with those of us who are Deputies for the constituency. The men, women and children who live in the Clondalkin Towers direct provision centre are part of our community. The children go to local schools, use local doctors and support services, while many of them are in third level education. The view of the local community is that we want them to stay. We do not want them to be flung to the far corners of the country. At this late stage we are concerned about the possibility of substantial disruption being caused to the lives and well-being of the families in question. I refer to those still in the process, as well as those with leave to remain. I ask the Minister of State to confirm a number of things. I understand the RIA and Fazyard, the company with the contract, are still in contact. Is that the case and is an extension of the contract still possible? I also understand the RIA contacted the manager of the centre last night at 7 p.m. to ask the families to be available for a meeting at 3 p.m. today, which seems to be very short notice. Will the Minister of State confirm that RIA will give more adequate notice to the families to assist them in the difficult situation they are facing?

See this speech in context