Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the publication of the White Paper to end direct provision and the establishment of a new international protection support service. We have heard many harrowing back stories leading to direct provision. We are all too aware of the shortcomings of the process and the urgent need for reform. Behind the campaign for change and the necessity for reform are real people. These are real people, often lost in a seemingly endless cycle of uncertainty and fear.

One of these people is a man well-known to me, Malik Amir Iqbal. For Malik, the White Paper offers no answers. Malik has spent six years living in direct provision while awaiting a decision on his application. He has never been given a permit to work. Throughout that time, he has endeared himself to the community in County Longford and has also excelled in the arts through the medium of dance.

A massive appeal in support of this affable man's application for a right to remain with us on humanitarian grounds has included letters of support from many within the arts community, including high-profile names such as the actor, Stephen Rea. A talented dancer, Malik featured on the Abbey Theatre stage no less in 2019 and has had numerous offers of employment from a range of Irish employers. Since last October, Malik's many friends in Longford and the arts community have pleaded for his right to remain. We cannot realistically action the White Paper without granting Malik and the others who are contributing to our communities, the length and breadth of the country, the right to remain and participate in a truly modern and inclusive society.

Malik has shown himself to be a creative, conscientious and valuable member of our community, as well as a vibrant contributor to the national arts scene. I want to give Malik a voice here today. I appeal directly to the Minister to give due consideration and, hopefully, a favourable response to his campaign for the right to remain here on humanitarian grounds.

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