Pat Casey (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On page 103 of the programme for Government, long duration in direct provision is acknowledged to have a negative impact on family life. As a result, we are committed to reforming the direct provision system, with particular focus on families and children. Given the recent announcement by the Department of Justice and Equality that it has leased the only hotel in Wicklow town, namely, the Grand Hotel, as a direct provision centre for up to 100 people, including families, how does that action form part of reforming the system? Equally, in the context of town and village renewal - dealt with in the section on urban renewal and tourism - the Government made announcements regarding Wicklow town in the context of enhancing the visitor experience, giving additional funding to Tidy Towns to reach gold medal status and providing LocalLink services to Wicklow and Glendalough.

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