The government has set up a new group to improve conditions at direct provision centres.
The working group - which includes figures from charities and human rights groups - says it wants to improve the quality of life, and dignity, of people in the state-run centres.
The new working group has been told that there isn't any extra money to invest in the running of the immigration system, or direct provision centres.
Within those boundaries, it has been asked to come up with ideas for how people living in the centres can have a greater qualify of life - and to have their dignity respected.
Minister of State for New Communities, Culture & Equality, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin today announced the terms of reference and the membership of the Working Group to report to Government on improvements to the protection process, including Direct Provision and supports to asylum seekers.
The group has also been asked to suggest changes for how asylum applications are dealt with - with the aim of making quicker decisions and reducing the length of time for which people are in direct provision, waiting for a decision.
“I am very pleased that the Working Group has now been established and is about to commence its deliberations,” Ó’Ríordán said.
“We must ensure that protection applicants are treated with dignity and respect while awaiting the outcome of their applications and I am confident that we have assembled a group of people with the necessary expertise to assist the Government to respond effectively to the difficulties experienced by many people while they await a final decision on their applications.
“I am particularly mindful of the position of families and children and the need to ensure that the facilities we have in place are capable of meeting the needs of families in circumstances where their cases are ongoing for protracted periods,” he added.
The group will be chaired by retired High Court judge Bryan McMahon, and includes representatives from the Irish Refugee Council and other immigrant support services, as well as from the Childrens Rights Alliance and the UN's High Commissioner for Refugees.
The group is due to begin its work in the coming weeks.
Minister of State for New Communities, Culture & Equality, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin today announced the terms of reference and the membership of the Working Group to report to Government on improvements to the protection process, including Direct Provision and supports to asylum seekers.
