Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2015
371. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the degree to which his attention remains focused on the needs of children in direct provision, with particular reference to ensuring that normal standards and expectations are met and that areas such as trafficking are dealt with as a priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8289/15]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that the direct provision system is under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality. The Department of Justice and Equality has primary responsibility in the area of asylum and immigration.
The Department of Justice and Equality has established a working group to review a range of issues pertaining to asylum seekers and direct provision. The first meeting of the Working Group on the Protection Process was held on the 10th November 2014, chaired by Judge McMahon. The Working Group consists of children's rights advocates, organisations engaged with asylum groups and representatives from a range of relevant government departments, including a representative from my own Department. I look forward to learning of the findings and recommendations of the working group in the Spring of 2015.
