Results 41-55 of 55 for "direct provision" speaker:Martin Conway

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2014: Second Stage [Private Members] (22 Oct 2014)

Martin Conway: ...it plays in terms of highlighting this issue. I commend my two colleagues, Senator Ó Clochartaigh and Senator van Turnhout. They were involved in what was initially the Seanad all-party group on direct provision, which is now the Oireachtas all-party group on direct provision. Unfortunately, the Government is not in a position to support Senator Norris's Bill. This is not because...

Seanad: Immigration (Reform) (Regularisation of Residency Status) Bill 2014: Second Stage [Private Members] (22 Oct 2014)

Martin Conway: ...moving on, and far quicker than previously. Considerable credit should go to some of the reputable journalists in the country who have continuously highlighted the issues and concerns associated with direct provision. I have in mind Carl O'Brien of the Irish Timeswho has been relentless in his coverage highlighting this scourge in our country and our time. It is worth acknowledging...

Seanad: Order of Business (Resumed) (7 Oct 2014)

Martin Conway: ...I agree with the sentiments expressed by colleagues today about the fact that RIA and the Department of Justice and Equality refused permission for the President to accept an invitation to attend a direct provision centre in Athlone.

Seanad: Direct Provision System: Motion (17 Sep 2014)

Martin Conway: It is very simple. There should be an amnesty for anybody who is here for more than two years. That should be facilitated. It will probably not happen but let us at least deal with the direct provision issue, close down these centres and come up with a better model.

Seanad: Direct Provision System: Motion (17 Sep 2014)

Martin Conway: ...and the light that has been shone into this part of our society, coupled with the appointment of a new Minister of State, matters are coming together and change will take place. I personally believe the direct provision centres should be closed. When I visited one such centre in Galway, officials from the Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, were present and to state they were defensive...

Seanad: Direct Provision System: Motion (17 Sep 2014)

Martin Conway: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after 'That Seanad Éireann' and substitute the following:"recognising that – -the current system of Direct Provision has existed for 14 years; -that the Minister and the Minister of State in the Department of Justice and Equality having visited several centres both agree on the need to review the current system; and -that a key concern...

Seanad: Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage (15 Jul 2014)

Martin Conway: As in the case of our having to apologise for what happened in the past in mother and baby homes, future generations of our people will be apologising to people who are now detained in direct provision. It is within our realm as a society to change this. It does not require rocket science to change it. Barriers can be put up and excuses can be made but where there is a will there is a way....

Seanad: Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage (15 Jul 2014)

Martin Conway: ...Irish citizens but vulnerable people from abroad hoping to obtain citizenship here. I welcome that this issue is being addressed. I agree with Senator Ó Clochartaigh's remarks in regard to people in direct provision. I have previously stated and will reiterate again in the presence of the Tánaiste as deputy Head of Government that what is happening in this regard is a scandal...

Seanad: Employment Permits (Amendment) Bill 2014: Second Stage (9 Jul 2014)

Martin Conway: ...-language schools closing and foreign students being left high and dry. That situation might need to be tightened up in future legislation. We have also discussed ad nauseamthe issue of people in direct provision centres around the country. If people in direct provision have a skill to offer, they should be able to work and make a contribution to society, as well as paying their taxes....

Seanad: Regulation (EU) No. 603/2013 on the Establishment of Eurodac: Motion (3 Jul 2014)

Martin Conway: .... I was not here for the Order of Business so I did not realise that an amendment to it was accepted. Even the interaction here has been useful. I would agree with many of the points made about direct provision. It must be dealt with and we will do our best to fast track the forthcoming legislation about which the Minister spoke. What is occurring is a scandal. We are dealing with...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality: UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security: Discussion (18 Jun 2014)

Martin Conway: ...answers but I can check the record afterwards. I wish to commend all the parties concerned for this interesting discussion. I agree with the comments of Deputy MacLochlainn and Senator Zappone on direct provision. I contend that in years to come this State will be compensating some of the people who have been locked up in direct provision. The way in which those in direct provision are...

Seanad: Order of Business (10 Apr 2014)

Martin Conway: ...other schools coming up here, so it is fitting that this school visit occurred today. Today is International Human Rights Day and many human rights issues need to be addressed, including the area of direct provision in particular. It is 15 years to the day since the direct provision system was established here, but it is broken and is not working. The Government has failed in its human...

Seanad: Protection of the Public Interest from Tobacco Lobbying Bill 2013: Second Stage (18 Dec 2013)

Martin Conway: ...illegal. I buy into the principle of a smoke-free Ireland by 2025. I have suggested to colleagues that the Seanad should set up an all-party committee to consider ways to reduce smoking, similar to the direct provision committee set up by Senators Ó Clochartaigh and van Turnhout and others. The House's passion will inform and assist the Minister in his campaign. Perhaps people are...

Seanad: Adjournment Debate: Direct Provision System (19 Nov 2013)

Martin Conway: I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, to the House. I am not a wholehearted advocate of direct provision as a means of housing people who are seeking asylum in this country, many of whom are in a distressed state. I have been to two of these centres and was not at all impressed with what I saw. We have responsibilities and duties as a State to respect and protect people...

Seanad: Asylum Support Services: Motion (23 Oct 2013)

Martin Conway: .... Unfortunately, Ireland was probably caught with its eyes closed to this problem in the mid-1990s when asylum seekers travelled here for a better life and to escape torture and so on. The direct provision system that was put in place was the wrong answer to the problem but given many people were migrating here back then and Ireland was not prepared and did not have a structure, this was...