Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the response. I appreciate there is a broader issue around case processing times as it will provide greater clarity on the broader question of direct provision. It is completely unjust that families must wait so long to get an answer to their case, although I know it is a Government priority to address that.

I am sorry but I strongly dispute the argument where IPAS claims it has fully engaged with the local community and residents. If it had fully engaged, I would not be standing here today and local schools would not have contacted me to express concern. The local representatives of voluntary organisations and the NGO, Places of Sanctuary, would not have contacted me to express that concern. Major concerns clearly remain about the lack of communication from IPAS. Frankly, as I know from past experience, I do not have confidence in the ability of IPAS to communicate its message. It does not matter if it communicates it to me or anybody else, as the most important people here are the residents. It is clear that IPAS has failed to communicate to those residents.

I ask for a very clear commitment after today's debate that IPAS would set out a clear programme of communication with residents and local organisations that are involved with this. If I have specific questions, it should finally, after all the emails I have sent, get back to me.