Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming here himself. I hope to receive an update about the White Paper on the end of direct provision. I understand there are additional pressures on the system this year. I am aware the Department stated this week that it is accommodating more than 58,000 people who arrived in Ireland this year, including 42,000 Ukrainians and 16,000 people seeking international protection. However, we must also acknowledge that this year marks the 22nd year of direct provision in this country, which was only meant to be a short-term solution. It seems that bringing an end to direct provision is never a top priority for the State and it gets pushed aside when other priorities arise.

I understand our response to Ukrainian refugees is outlined by the EU temporary protection directive, but I need to Minister to listen to me when I say this. Many people have said to me that there is a difference in the definition of what a refugee is, but we are, unfortunately, creating a two-tier system in our country for refugees and that needs to be stated honestly. As a member of the Traveller Community, I know exactly what it is like to be treated less than people from other backgrounds. I believe this is what we are doing in this country and for that reason, it is important that we set and meet clear deadlines to end direct provision for international protection applicants in this country.

I welcome Ireland's response to refugees from Ukraine. What human rights organisations and myself are looking for is the equal treatment of refugees in this country.That is the message today. My point is about ending direct provision. We know there are 11,689 people living in direct provision, of whom 4,000 have residency status and are ready to move out. However, with the housing crisis it is very hard for people to find accommodation. Last week a man came to see me. He is looking for a one-bedroom house in Cork. Last week we heard the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, speaking openly about people who have their papers being charged rent in direct provision centres. I do not know where the idea came from that people who are living in this dire accommodation should be charged rent. Obviously, I would agree that we should put responsibility for accommodation for all people with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has many things to deal with in making sure people are safe. People who have their papers to move out of direct provision have nowhere to go. We must look at that. Will the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, answer the question on where we are on ending direct provision?