Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
598. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to abolish direct provision; when this will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36364/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a committment to ending the Direct Provision system and replacing it with a new International Protection accommodation policy, centred on a not-for-profit approach. The Government has also committed to the development of a White Paper which will set out how this new system will be structured and the steps to achieving it.
My Department is currently developing the White Paper which I expect to publish by the end of the year. Consultations are currently underway and include discussions with the relevant Government Departments and agencies, the Offices of the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, relevant NGOs and housing bodies and representatives of residents of Direct Provision centres.
