Seanad debates

Tuesday, 9 December 2014

3:50 pm

Photo of Trevor Ó ClochartaighTrevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We welcome the rumblings that have been coming from Ministers, particularly the Minister of State, Deputy Aodhán Ó Riordáin, on direct provision. I have asked a number of times for information on the Fine Gael stance on direct provision. It seems to me there is a difference of opinion between the Government parties on this issue. The Minister of State, Deputy Ó Riordáin, seems to be set on considering reform of the system, although this is going quite slowly. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to clarify both Fine Gael and Government policy on direct provision. Does the Government intend to scrap it? How can it continue to justify profiteering on the back of people's misery?

Can we also have an update on the progress of the working group that has been put together by the Minister of State? In light of the figures we have been given and in light of the fact there have been moves on the homeless situation, it is important that after ten, 11, 12, 13 or 14 years in direct provision, people within that system see change. They deserve reform of the system and this should be brought forward more quickly. Can we please have one of the Ministers in to update us on how much progress has been made to date, how many times the working group has met and when it expects to conclude its deliberations so that the system can be scrapped or reformed once and for all?

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