Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I would have no confidence in this Government accepting amendments on this issue. I believe that although certain Ministers, such as the Minister of State, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, are saying the right things, there is not full Government backing for change in the system. I say to Senator Norris that I am not in a position to support the Bill, although I believe there are fundamental issues. I certainly support and applaud any efforts that are being made to change the system and I have serious issues with the direct provision system, as the House knows.

I ask the Minister to clarify once and for all the Government’s position on direct provision. We hear one thing from the Minister of State, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, and a very different statements from the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald. When I asked her to clarify the position last week, she would not do that. I also want to ask the Minister when the first meeting of the newly-established working group on direct provision will take place. Although people have been informed they are on the group and that it is to report before Christmas, they have not even been told when the first meeting will be.

While I will work tirelessly with everybody here to have direct provision abolished and a proper system put in place, I am afraid I am not in a position to support the Bill today. I apologise but I have to leave to attend the committee.