Martin: Asylum process must be shortened
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin made the claim about the controversial policy — which was set up when he was in Cabinet in 2000 — after criticism of how it is damaging the lives of the 4,300 people, including 1,600 children, involved.
During a midweek debate on reforming the system, called for by Independent senators Ronan Mullen and Paul Bradford, Government senators were handed a coalition briefing document insisting any changes to the “not perfect” policy may result in Ireland being targeted by fake asylum seekers.
However, Mr Martin said while there was a need to have “some controls” on migration, the situation — which had left some people in direct provision for almost a decade — cannot continue.
“It’s not acceptable, the length of time it is taking to process applications for asylum, and it should be dramatically shortened,” he said.
“Obviously we have to have some controls in terms of inward migration to the country, but it’s not acceptable for anyone to be four or five years in any system without having the situation dealt with.”
An expert panel set up by the Department of Justice to examine ways to reform the direct provision system met for the first time yesterday.
Minister for Equality, New Communities and Culture, Aodhán O Ríordáin wants the body to investigate ways to address the “inhumane” situation which forces people to live on weekly payments of €19.10 per adult and €9.60 per child from the State in 34 centres nationwide.
