Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My timing is impeccable for once. I hope they have a wonderful experience. Ms Jody Blake has been very good to 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 rights responsibilities concerning this issue. Millions of our ancestors emigrated around the world and made an indelible contribution to many countries.

There are people who find themselves in difficult situations, who are coming to our country now and who, if given the opportunity, I have no doubt, would make an indelible contribution to this country. I believe these people chose to come to Ireland for refuge because Ireland is a country that prides itself in human dignity. It is something that needs to be addressed. I have great hope and faith in the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, because I know the fundamentals are right in terms of where he is coming from on this issue. I appeal to the Minister to make this a priority. It is not a vote-winning priority and it is possibly not even a popular priority but it is a right priority and we have responsibilities in this area. Perhaps at some stage the Leader might be kind enough to organise a debate on direct provision with the Minister in order that we can get the latest up-to-date position and apply the necessary pressure.