Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State is saying Ukrainian refugees who come here will not have to go into direct provision. They will be given hubs, PPS numbers and education assistance. These are all the things a refugee needs. It is great. It is brilliant. It is what we need for Ukrainian refugees. At the same time, the Government will continue to say people who come from Syria, Libya or wherever else will go into direct provision. There are more than 6,000 people in direct provision now, including almost 2,000 children. It is a system that takes away people's dignity. It makes people feel worthless. Mr. Bulelani Mfaco of MASI has said it is a system with an increasing number of complaints. That people go into direct provision because they are not from our neighbourhood is a racist policy. It is racism to say this country is near us. Ukraine is 3,000 km away. Syria is 4,000 km away. Is this really the basis on which the decision is being made? No, it is a racist decision to continue with direct provision for some while for others the Government does the right thing in terms of treating people in a humane way.

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