Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I looked back on statements that took place in the House in February of last year, when we discussed the migration challenges and the crisis that we face. Those who spoke on that occasion all referred to asylum system that is fair, efficient and incorruptible. Much of what the Government is doing now, with the implementation of the Dublin Convention, working to return people to the UK, reviewing the safe countries and aligning social welfare payments was advocated over 12 months ago. There was a delay in the Government's response. As a consequence, our system has been overwhelmed.

Last week, I met people who were seeking asylum in a centre in my constituency. We now have a situation where people are being asked to relocate when they have been in the same centre for 18 months and are integrating into the community. We have a centre in my constituency where people are being asked to walk 4 km on country roads in winter and summer in order to avail of public transport. We want people to work, get educated and contribute to society. How can they do that if they have to walk 4 km?

Another issue is the scheme to offer a room. My wife offered a room four different times but never received a reply. We had a baby and stopped offering the room for six months because we did not want anyone else in the house. Recently, we offered the room again. We identified that we had offered it three times. For that fourth time, someone was to get back to us in a week but it never happened.

Last week, representatives of 15 governments met in Copenhagen to discuss new solutions in respect of irregular migration. Ireland was not represented politically at that meeting. Why was that the case? Is it our intention to sign the letter that was written?

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