Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We have had a number of calls in recent weeks for a debate on suicide. I am very disturbed because I have spoken this morning to a man who has told me he is suicidal. The reason is that he is an asylum seeker in Lisbrook House, a direct provision hostel in Galway, and a decision was taken yesterday to close the centre. I do not doubt that he is genuinely morose. The Lisbrook centre is part of a broader direct provision system which is hugely flawed and needs to be examined. A meeting sought with the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, on behalf of all the Galway West and Galway East representatives was not forthcoming and the centre is being closed on the recommendations of the Reception and Integration Agency without discussing the issue with representatives of the residents. It would be only right and fair that Oireachtas representatives be allowed meet the Reception and Integration Agency and the Minister to discuss the issue and give their side of the case. That has not happened. I call on my colleagues to intervene with the Minister to speak to us and representatives of the residents.

I am calling for a debate on direct provision as I believe there is broad agreement that the system is not working. I note that the Minister, when in opposition in July 2010, said the manner in which it operates should be subject to a fundamental review, preferably in the next six months. The Minister of State, Deputy Joe Costello, in opposition, is also on record as describing direct provision centres as a prison for people. He also said that asylum seekers should be allowed to work while they await the decision on their applications. It should be a mark of civilisation of our country that we would ensure that people who come here seeking asylum be treated fairly and humanely and at present that is not the case.

Yesterday the Ombudsman, who appeared before the Joint Committee on Public Service Oversight and Petitions, said she had serious concerns regarding the way in which direct provision is being handled. The Irish Refugee Council report, which is frightening, has highlighted potential instances of abuse. There is much ill-informed commentary in the media and in the public domain about direct provision which must be counteracted. There are allegations of abuse of women and children in the centres. There is also deprivation and mental illness. I fear we are witnessing another State sanctioned scandal happening on our watch and something must be done soon.