Opportunity to end lengthy stays in Direct Provision must not be lost

"Years awaiting a final determination on applications for asylum is the biggest single issue facing asylum seekers in Ireland and the recently established Working Group on Direct Provision must confront this issue". 

This is according to Mr Eugene Quinn, Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service Ireland who was recently appointed to the Working Group. 

Welcoming the establishment of the Working Group, Mr Quinn pointed out that more than 1,900 asylum seekers have been waiting at least five years since they first applied for asylum:  “That is three out of every seven residents in Direct Provision centres and many of the issues of concern arising in Direct Provision arise from this unacceptable delay”.

JRS Ireland research has identified significant structural barriers in the asylum system in relation to two cohorts of asylum seekers residing long term in Direct Provision, namely, applicants awaiting or engaged in Judicial Review and applicants subject to a deportation order. 

Mr Quinn went on to say:

“Far too many men, women and children seeking asylum in Ireland are living for years with their lives on hold in Direct Provision.  The most urgent task facing the Working Group is to find durable solutions for applicants stuck for years in the asylum process. This opportunity to end lengthy stays in Direct Provision must not be lost.”

JRS Ireland, which has its head office in Limerick and provides outreach and services in 10 Direct Provision centres throughout Ireland, will establish a reference group of asylum seekers with whom JRS work to help inform its advocacy priorities.  Mr Quinn said:

“It is unfortunate that the Working Group does not include more representation from asylum seekers residing in Direct Provision centres. It is critical that the voices and concerns of the individuals and families seeking asylum, who have been living long term in Direct Provision, are heard and listened to by Working Group members.”

In addition to the key task  of identifying improvements in the processing of applications for asylum, the  Working Group have been asked to consider how the Direct Provision system could be reformed to show greater respect for the inherent dignity of all persons residing in it. However, in proposing changes, the Working Group has been instructed to ensure the overall cost of the protection system to the taxpayer is reduced or remains within or close to current levels.

Mr. Quinn commented:

“Financial concerns are not the only costs that need to be taken into consideration.  Living long term in Direct Provision results in significant human costs, impacting on physical and mental health, on skills and training, family relationships and the ability to participate in society. In addition to the human cost experienced by protection applicants, the State also incurs long term social and reputational costs as a consequence of structural faults in the asylum process.”