Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My sentiments centre on, as previous speakers have discussed, what we can do here and now. I welcome the publication of the White Paper on ending direct provision and establishing a new international protection support service. It is a big step. It will be a complex process and, undoubtedly, will require time to deliver. We all are aware of the shortcomings of the current system. The new system will aspire to be based on a human rights approach. In time, it will allow access to the labour market for applicants and make it easier to access other services such as opening bank accounts, driver licences and so forth.

The new process will reduce processing times for international protection applications and ultimately lead to a phasing out of direct provision by 2024. That is some time away yet, unfortunately, but welcome nonetheless.

In the meantime, could steps be taken to improve conditions for people living in direct provision? I know the Minister will be aware of issues surrounding accommodation, cooking and laundry facilities and other issues that arise in these settings. My office has been in contact in recent months surrounding difficulties and conditions in Ashbourne House in Glounthane. Thankfully, a resolution was found in this instance but I am under no illusion that these difficulties are faced in other settings.

It is worth stressing the people in these communities are taking part in our local schools, they are out litter-picking at weekends and are engaged with sports clubs. For all intents and purposes, they are integrated into our local communities. I understand we have regular inspections of these facilities. In the interim, however, and ahead of the full phasing out of direct provision, does the Minister have any plans to introduce improvements in the short term? I would appreciate it if he could touch on this in his closing statement. Like other speakers have said, I believe there are probably some short-term measures the Minister could take ahead of the full phasing out by 2024.

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