Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)

Our international protection system is not fit for purpose. It does not have the confidence of the people. This is a situation created and compounded by the failures of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael in government. The system, as it stands, is dysfunctional and it lacks public confidence. Why? In the first instance, the basic principles of a rules-based system are not being followed. Decisions and appeals are taking far too long and there is a systemic failure to enforce the rules, particularly at the final stage. This undermines the process and eats away at public trust.

Compounding this is the scandal of profiteering. A staggering €1.2 billion is being spent on IPAS accommodation annually with a small number of private operators making tens of millions of euro from the State's dysfunction, all shrouded in a lack of transparency. We know from the Comptroller and Auditor General that the level of oversight and accountability on that spend is wholly inadequate. This must be addressed.

Sinn Féin wants an international protection system that is efficient, rules-based and fair, one that ends profiteering, processes applications swiftly and enforces decisions. We want a system that commands public confidence and trust.

While we are rightly critical of the Government's failings, we must condemn those who seek to exploit those failings to stoke fear and hate. There is no justification for racist and vile rhetoric or hateful acts. No one deserves to live in fear for their safety or their children's safety. This hate is causing immense hurt and fear within immigrant communities and it is being used to divide people across our State. It must be confronted and it must stop. We must stand firmly for a society that is inclusive and welcoming, where racism and hate is challenged and integration is properly supported. We can have a functioning international protection system and a compassionate society. They are not mutually exclusive. It is time for this Government to deliver both.

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