Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to have the opportunity to address you
today. The Irish Refugee Council’s (IRC) study ‘Transitioning: from Direct
Provision to life in the community is a window on the practical
difficulties that can be encountered by individuals making momentous life
changes.
Last year, the McMahon Working Group Report highlighted the length of time
that people were spending in the asylum / protection process and, as a
consequence, living in Direct Provision.
This IRC’s study provides my Department with another set of information to
consider in our work going forward. Even though the report itself
acknowledges that it is operating within a small sample size, nevertheless
it brings to light the frustrations and emotions experienced by the people
concerned.
Since the publication of the McMahon Report a lot of changes have been put
in train. The key challenge in respect of Direct Provision is the length
of time that people spend in the accommodation, particularly families. The
primary objective arising from the McMahon Report was to tackle the
existing caseload in the first instance and to overhaul the existing asylum
processing system in the second.
This government has given the implementation of the International
Protection Act the highest priority. A sound but efficient application
process will obviate the knock-on issues that the McMahon report – and now
this IRC study – has highlighted.
The information booklet referred to in this study “Your Guide to
Independent Living” was published earlier this year. This booklet is a
truly, excellent resource of practical information. The Citizens
Information Board, supported by a range of other State agencies, provided
information sessions within Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) centres
to former asylum seekers who have permission to stay in the State. It can
be downloaded from RIA’s website and has now been translated in 5 different
languages – Urdu; Pashtu; Farsi; French and Arabic. These will soon be
also available for download.
I plan to build on this initiative to develop a transitional programme for
those leaving the Direct Provision system. That will enable them to have
access to information and support when accessing key services.
The IRC report highlights difficulties experienced by former asylum seekers
in accessing housing. Of course, we all know that this is an issue that is
so much wider than one group. My colleagues, Ministers Coveney and
Varadkar are actively engaged on this problem. Yesterday, Minister
Coveney published ‘Rebuilding Ireland – An Action Plan for Housing and
Homelessness’ following the Government approval of this ambitious plan.
The Action Plan provides an important framework within which planning can
be undertaken on housing for refugees and those leaving the Direct
Provision system.
This IRC study highlights for me the increasing need for State and civil
society actors to work together to identify things that need to change – as
well as managing the expectations of those who wish to make their new homes
in Ireland.
The study reminds us that we need to continue to take action to promote
integration. Integration needs to work for refugees, for those leaving the
Direct Provision system but also for the communities within which they will
settle. My plan is to use the Migrant Integration Strategy as the
framework for action on integration.
Settling into a new community is a complex process. However, I firmly
believe that the process of moving from Direct Provision and getting the
chance to plant roots here in Ireland is also a journey of hope. Each of
us can play our part in turning that feeling of hope into a positive future
for former asylum seekers.
Thank you