Membership of new Working Group to review Direct Provision system announced

The Government last night named the new working group charged with reviewing the working of the Direct Provision system for asylum seekers.

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald and Minister of State Aodhán Ó’Ríordáin said the group would be chaired by retired judge Mr Justice Bryan McMahon.

The other 10 members include Sue Conlan, the chief executive officer of the Irish Refugee Council; Tim Dalton, retired secretary general of Department of Justice; and the head of office at UNHCR Ireland, Sophie Magennis.

The formation of the working group follows the publication of the Group Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 and heightened concern around aspects of the system which caters for asylum seekers.

There have also been a growing number of protests by residents at a range of DP centres over the conditions in which they are living.

Judge McMahon said the group hoped to report back as early as possible in 2015, and by Easter at the latest.

Ms Fitzgerald said those with an interest in the area should allow it time to evaluate the issues before making recommendations.