Changes to direct provision ‘would create pull factor for asylum seekers’

Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has claimed changing the controversial direct provision system to allow long-term users access to rent supports could cost twice as much, and create “a major pull factor” for asylum seekers to Ireland.

Ms Fitzgerald made the remarks last week in a written parliamentary response, less than a month after a detailed Government report called for a series of humanitarian reforms to the service.

Responding to a number of questions from party colleague, Fine Gael TD John Deasy, about costs in the sector, Ms Fitzgerald said despite the need for reforms there are “no cheaper alternatives” and that if changes go too far they may not be in Ireland’s interest.