Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Dignity is key here. Deputy Connolly's question is next, seeking an update on the plan to end direct provision but that process will be hollow if it is not based on consideration and respect. Unless dignified engagement with asylum seekers is embedded into the Department's interaction with them, any new system will have in many ways failed before it even begins.

Regrettably, Ukrainian refugees are being treated in the same way with no input into where they are being offered long-term accommodation. I appreciate that the Department is dealing with more than 25,000 people and the pressures on housing that the Minister spoke about but engaging with people to do our best to accommodate them in communities in which they are working and children are attending school is a better approach. Ultimately, such an approach would prove more efficient as it avoids delays and disputes caused by the Department dictating that it wants someone to go in one place and them wanting to stay in another place. My point is it is not a reason to not engage.

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