Day Report leaves no room for excuses on direct provision

Abstract

The system of direct provision in Ireland has been in existence for twenty years, providing those seeking protection communal accommodation, meals, or less often cooking facilities, and a small weekly payment of €38.80 per adult per week. Generally no access to other social welfare supports, education provided as right to children, and health needs met through the medical card system. Only since 2018 has there been a limited right to work for persons in the protection system. There are over 7,000 people in direct provision accommodation centres or in emergency hotel accommodation awaiting a determination as to whether they qualify for protection in Ireland. Direct provision, first proposed in 1998, was to be for a maximum period of six months, whereby claims for protection made by those seeking protection in Ireland would be decided upon. Yet, the system was never for just six months, more often than not, at least until 2017, many would be more likely to spend six years in direct provision. Unlike previous Government sponsored reform initiatives on this system the Day Report is clear: direct provision must end.