Iona Institute should look to direct provision

The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) report on their grave concerns about the welfare of the 1,600 children living in direct provision in this state is shocking.

One wonders then where is the outrage from the Iona Institute and all those who spent the marriage referendum campaign telling us how much they care about children.

The children living in direct provision, some of them all their lives, are nine times more likely to be the subject of a referral relating to child welfare or safety issues than children in the wider community.

This is so wrong and cannot be allowed to continue.

Ireland has just taken a major step towards equality and justice, another one will come when the shameful system of direct provision is ended and all the children here are actually cherished.

Zoe Lawlor

Log na gCapall

South Circular Road

Limerick