David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I should be shown some latitude as there was a long delay before the Chair was occupied.
People attach values to food that are often determined by attitudes, belief, and environmental and religious practices. People in the centres live in a situation of disempowerment. The majority of people recently surveyed who live in these circumstances complained that the food provided did not cater for the diverse cultural needs of asylum seekers. Also, the food system does not allow religious asylum seekers to freely practice their various religious practices. It was unsuitable for babies, toddlers and children, was high in salt, sugar and fat content and they spoke about their own disempowerment. We should at least provide cooking facilities in all direct provision centres, consult with the residents about their food needs, ensure staff employed by direct provision are attuned to the needs of these people, and allow kitchens to be used at night during the month of Ramadan by Muslim asylum seekers.
Before I finish I would like, with the Cathaoirleach's indulgence, to put the voices of a couple of people on the record. These are voices from these people talking about their food. Yesterday, for instance, my friend went to a friend's house, cooked a chicken with sauce there and brought the leftovers home. I said to him "put it in the fridge as you will get sick keeping it in your room as it is too hot." He said no, he would not put the leftover chicken in the fridge because if he did someone else would take it.
Let me give another instance:

For myself, I could do with one extra piece of fruit a day. They say it comes from higher, they cannot give it to you and there is nothing they can do. I don't want to argue. You know you have to say thank you. They say if you go back home to Africa people there are starving. If you don't want food, go back. We have no choice. You have to follow. I heard the chef say this and I strongly rejected it and asked him to clarify. He said this is our European dish and if you do not want it in Europe, go back home.

Another person said: "Frankly, I feel I am eating in Quantanamo as security people are standing there with walkie-talkie radios, talking to each other and it is not a place you would wish to eat."
The issue of food is a very bad one. I would like to indicate now what I will take up when I conclude the debate, if I may. There are other issues such as overcrowding, the financial allowance and comparison with good practice, even patchy practice in the rest of Europe, Ireland stands ashamed and condemned by this and by the inaction of Government on this important matter of human rights. I thank the Acting Chairman for his indulgence.