Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the White Paper, which is most important. When a person turns 21, there are balloons and celebrations. However, it is pretty shameful to say that 10 April 2021 marked 21 years of the brutal system of direct provision. To me, that is horrendous and unacceptable. I welcome the Government is moving to ensure that we do not continue with this system. That is why the White Paper is so welcome.

I have been concerned to learn of Covid-19 outbreaks in the confined settings of direct provision. I was concerned when comparisons were made recently between the cramped conditions in mandatory hotel quarantine and those of the direct provision centres. However, we know that hotel quarantine will come to an end. While direct provision is being removed, no independent inspections of direct provision centres are being carried out. Are independent inspections of direct provision centres going to be carried out? I ask the Minister to respond to me on that issue, which is most important.

The National Women’s Council of Ireland, NWCI, reported that women in marginalised groups have been among those most affected by Covid-19. It has highlighted that women in direct provision have had difficulties accessing appropriate hygiene facilities and space to self-isolate and socially distance. That must be looked at.

I welcome the announcement that Lidl is the first major retailer in the world to offer free period products to combat period poverty, in partnership with Homeless Period Ireland. The Simon Communities of Ireland and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association clubs around the country will also distribute free products, which is most important. I am aware the Government is also committed to this, which I welcome. It is important.

My second question for the Minister is as follows. What supports are currently available to women, children and men in direct provision? What wraparound services are available? We have spoken about education, physical health, mental health, language barriers, employment and housing, in particular. Everybody needs a house. It is most important that we get it right. I know that the Minister really wants to do this and that he has the full support of all Members in doing so. However, as he said in his speech earlier, we have a responsibility. That responsibility means that we must ensure that we get it right.

In respect of funding, what sort of funding is currently being provided for wraparound services? Is there enough funding? As the Minister knows, and as all of us have seen, in the past year the Covid pandemic has been difficult for everybody, but it has been much harder for those living in direct provision. We must ensure that we get this right.

My questions for the Minister are as follows. Are independent inspections of direct provisions centres being carried out? What funding is available? Is enough funding being put into the wraparound services to ensure proper services are provided and that those in direct provision centres can access such services?

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