Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with many colleagues who thanked our front-line workers, especially nurses, doctors and care workers in nursing homes and hospitals around the country. I thank our immigrant workers in particular, especially nurses and doctors, who were very much at the coalface of the Covid-19 outbreak. We have learned from academic reports that black, Asian, and minority ethnic, BAME, workers have been affected disproportionately by Covid-19, which is worrying. The former Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, recognised the work of immigrants in Ireland, especially in our hospitals and nursing homes. Many of them were living in direct provision centres and this demonstrated their value to our society.

I welcome the decision of the Minister for Justice and Equality to reopen the Burgh Quay registration office for the renewal of visas. It was unfair and unjust that many of our nurses, doctors and those working in care homes had to queue up on Burgh Quay to renew visas when that can be done simply online. The Minister has also expanded the online registration renewal process to visas. These are welcome steps. It only applies in Dublin, but it should be applied nationwide.

We also need to examine the fact that one in five applicants for citizenship waits for more than two years to be processed. Some 3,000 working immigrants, who are contributing to our society, working in hospitals and putting themselves at risk, are waiting for their applications to be processed. The Department of Justice has stated that is because the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, INIS, is not properly funded and that is where the delays arise. We need to examine how we treat immigrants in Ireland. The direct provision system is not fit for purpose and it needs to change, but, more broadly, however, our treatment of immigrants, including those working in hospitals, nursing homes and many other sectors of our society, has to be improved. The State must do better.

I also agree with my colleague, Senator Fitzpatrick, on extending the maternity benefit package for an extra three months. As a new parent, I know it is nearly impossible to get any childcare. If a woman is seeking to go back to work, it is going to be very difficult to secure childcare, even if she has a great deal of money to pay for it. This would be a practical step. Most women want to go back to work, and they will take up the childcare facilities if they are available. They are not available now. Crèches are reducing their capacity by more than a third and many parents are being let down. Ultimately, women are being forced to take unwanted unpaid leave that they do not wan to take. It is something the Minister should look at. As the spokesperson for social protection, I will raise this issue directly with the Minister.