Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----and it should stop immediately. It is unfair to the families concerned and to the patients being treated on trolleys. We need to fundamentally tackle the issue of patient discharges. We all welcome the new 60-bed unit being built in Limerick, which will assist in that respect. There is a need to deal with the issue of patient discharges and the provision of a continuum of care in our communities.

Senator Devine also raised the issue of a Tusla report dealing with the number of students missing school. I would be happy to arrange a debate on that issue in due course.

A number of Senators raised the matter of direct provision, as linked to the attack on the home of Deputy Martin Kenny, as well as the issue itself. Senators Feighan, Conway, McDowell, Ó Donnghaile, Ruane, Mullen and Kelleher raised the issue. On my own behalf and on behalf of the House, I condemn those who attacked Deputy Martin Kenny's car and his family. It has no place in a democratic society. Everybody should stand firm in upholding the law and standing with Deputy Martin Kenny and his family, and any Member of the House, regarding the matter of an attack. The perpetrators of this crime are from a community. They are known. People should come forward with that information.

The issue of direct provision is a contentious one but it need not necessarily be one. Senator McDowell in a powerful presentation, raised a number of valid points with which I might not agree. We are an Ireland of welcomes, we have international obligations but it is time we had a national conversation on direct provision. As a former Minister for Justice and a former Attorney General, the Senator knows quite well that there is a system in place but the process takes time and it is a somewhat cumbersome. We all wish it was quicker because we all have people who come into our offices every week who are seeking asylum, have had their application refused or have submitted an appeal and the process goes on and on. These people's applications, in many cases, are worthy and they are genuine people who left their country out of fear. There are others, which Senator McDowell is right in saying, who are here chancing their arm, and we should say that too. I am somebody who is very much in favour of asylum seekers and of having the matter dealt with in a humane and fair way. A debate on this issue is very much needed. We should stand firm in our opposition to those who oppose direct provision facilities being put in places around our country. Senator Kelleher is right. There are places like Macroom and Drishane in Cork where communities within communities are being formed and friendships and new families are being created. Direct provision and our new immigrant communities are welcome in our country.