Government’s inaction on Direct Provision is a scandal
- Where is the progress on the White Report on Ending Direct Provision?
- Government inaction causing deep concern for health and safety of children
Labour spokesperson on Children Seán Sherlock TD has expressed deep concern for the safety and welfare of children in Direct Provision. The Ombudsman for Children’s submission of a special report to the Houses of the Oireachtas was prompted by Government inaction.
Deputy Sherlock said:
“The Ombudsman’s report is a damning indictment of the Government’s failure to protect children in Direct Provision. The fact that the Ombudsman has had to take this extraordinary step of submitting a special report is a clear indication that the Government is not taking the safety and welfare of these children seriously.
“The use of temporary accommodation, such as hotels, for children in Direct Provision is simply unacceptable. These are not safe or suitable places for children to live, yet by early June this year, 16,804 child beneficiaries of temporary protection were living in hotels. How has it gotten to this point?
“We know there is also a serious lack of inspections and monitoring of Direct Provision centres.This means that there is no way to ensure that the safety and welfare of children in these centres is being protected.
“The Government has a duty of care to protect all children in Ireland, including those in Direct Provision. The Government must expedite the actions in the White Paper on ending Direct Provision and ensure that all children in Ireland are living in safe and secure accommodation. It’s time to build a more just and compassionate society.”