Sir, – Direct provision centres are frequently in the news. Among other recent contributions the RTÉ drama Taken Down reflects the reality of men, women and children living suspended lives.
Direct provision was initially planned to house asylum seekers for a maximum of six months. The current reality is very different. According to the most recent figures available, 45 per cent of those living in direct provision have been in the asylum process for two years or more and 4.8 per cent – 267 people – have been in the process for seven years or more.
The experience of being in this suspended state of existence means that people become institutionalised, and children experience ruptured friendships and social relationships.
People in direct provision lack basic access to cooking, freedom of movement, the right to invite friends to visit them. Fundamental rights and basic socialising needs are denied.
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Are the only persons to gain from this inhumane experience the owners of the hotels, hostels and houses? Is the Irish exchequer also a winner? Taxes gathered from these hotels, hostels and houses return to the Irish exchequer.
Can one predict that future generations will judge us harshly for our treatment of families in direct provision centres?
We join our voices to those calling for a humane solution to the plight of all in direct provision. – Yours, etc,
LYDIA
SLATTERY, OP
Chairwoman,
Management Board,
Dominican Justice Office,
Cabra,
Dublin 7.