John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State missed the key point. I did not describe the centres as Magdalen laundries. Rather, the NGOs which deal with refugees seeking protection in this State did so. They are right to point out that direct provision centres are the modern-day equivalent of Magdalen laundries. The problem is that the Government is turning to the private sector to address the accommodation needs of these refugees. We need to provide accommodation for asylum seekers but the reliance on the private sector in that regard is part of the problem.

I wish to offer a short-term accommodation solution to the issue I outlined in Wicklow town. The district hospital in the town closed in 2010-11. It is vacant and in State ownership. It is close to all of the services the Minister of State outlined need to be in place and could be brought on stream to a high standard and meet all the needs of the refugees quickly and cheaply. That would ensure Wicklow town does not lose its only hotel. It would mean moving away from paying for private sector accommodation and would allow us to develop secure, safe, publicly provided accommodation that is suitable for the needs of asylum seekers.

We must ensure that the process of seeking asylum is not long and torturous. The lengthy waiting time is part of the problem, with people locked in direct provision centres for three or more years. The process must be sped up to ensure that places in the centres are freed up for asylum seekers.

I ask the Minister of State to pass on my proposal regarding Wicklow district hospital to RIA and his Department.

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