David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I share the Deputy's concerns about the right-wing agenda. We have avoided that and do not want it to take hold. We have 38 centres working very well and the local communities have welcomed people looking for international protection in those centres. They have acknowledged that the people who have come to live in their areas have added positively to their areas. They have got involved, have integrated and have worked with the community in tidy towns and other such ventures. Their children are going to school. People can work after nine months and we may soon reduce that further.

It will improve the diversity and wealth in areas in a big way. We have 38 centres working very well. If people around the country are interested in assisting and supporting us please contact us. We have considered what the Deputy has suggested, State-owned property, and we have improved standards enormously in these centres. They are unrecognisable now. Almost half of the people have self-catering accommodation. Many also have own-door accommodation. I have recently launched a new set of standards that these centres will have to adhere to under law. We have improved the conditions. The Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children can also visit these centres and have an oversight role. I thank the Deputy for his support in this matter and we continue to work as hard as we can to improve the situation.

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