The Minister for Justice has admitted that the Direct Provision system is in need of "root and branch reform."
it comes after an expert group called warned that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the “unsuitability” of the system.
In its latest briefing note, the Expert Group on Direct Provision put forward a range of measures that should be taken to improve the lives of people applying for asylum in Ireland.
It is calling for new housing models to be explored – and warning that the State is currently paying private contractors €200m a year to run Direct Provision centres around the country.
It is also calling for the asylum process to be sped up through increased resources and the use of ‘IT solutions.’
Meanwhile it said people living in under the system should be allowed to apply for the right to work after three months rather than nine.
Agyeiwaa Owusu, who has lived in direct provision for 10 years, told Newstalk that greater access to employment would make a huge difference for asylum seekers.
“I really want to get a job and I want to see the Government do something about this,” she said.
“Because to put you in the Direct Provision for ten years is totally different.
“It makes your life disappointing; your life is knocked down totally.”
The expert group was originally due to deliver its final report by the end of the year; however, it’s chairperson Dr Catherine Day has promised to deliver it in September.
Other measures in the briefing note include a call for guidance to be issued to ensure all applicants can open bank accounts and access driving licences.
Meanwhile, it is calling for binding standards for Direct Provision centres to be in place by next January and for all centre managers to undergo “compulsory training and regular networking.”
The Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said officials have now been instructed to have proposals for all the measures ready for the incoming government.
He said he believes that “root and branch reform of the system and the policy behind it” is needed.
“How Ireland treats its minorities including those seeking asylum has been at the forefront of many of our minds recently,” he said.
“This is due both to the stress COVID-19 has placed on the Direct Provision system and also the way in which some have drawn parallels with recent events in America.”
He said the Secretary General of his department will undertake a review of its actions on Direct Provision in the early days of the pandemic, with particular focus on the opening of the centre of Cahirsiveen, County Kerry which saw an outbreak last month.
He said external experts would be asked to contribute to the review.
