PRINGLE INITIATES DEBATE TO ABOLISH DIRECT PROVISION

Thomas Pringle TD has initiated a debate on the Direct Provision system to be held next week calling for the abolishment of the current system and the introduction of a legislative framework for specialised reception centres.

“The Direct Provision system is a grave violation of basic human rights which has over 4,300 people, over one third of which are children, living in the most shocking conditions for up to 10 years in some cases.

“While there has been much talk lately on reforming the system, the government has done little on the matter. The Direct Provision working group which is being set-up will not result in the reform that is required because they are being asked how to improve the current system, when it’s an alternative system that is actually needed.

“For 14 years people from these centres have come to me desperate for assistance, some of them there for over 10 years. I know from their experiences and from my own experience in representing them that these centres are not fit for purpose, effectively operating as open prisons. Particularly, I have concerns about the protection of children in these centres, many of whom were born into this system and know no better.

“What is needed is an alternative system that respects the human rights and basic needs of each individual and family for the duration of their stay, a system which is efficient and transparent and allows asylum seekers to be productive in society, not imprisoned living a life of degradation.

“This government appears to think that the introduction of the single application procedure for protection will solve everything, but the proposed legislation will have no impact on the thousands of asylum seekers who have been left waiting years for a decision on their status.

“We have a responsibility as a nation and as a member of the Human Rights Council that when people come to our country looking for protection, they are treated with the dignity and respect that should be afforded to all human beings, living in the knowledge that they and their children will be safe for however long they remain in our country. I am calling on the government to accept my Motion and introduce a strategy for the implementation of the new system and begin on the path of meaningful reform,” stated Pringle.

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