No recent contact over direct provision
THE last contact the Department of Justice had with Wicklow County Council over Direct Provision was last year regarding the Grand Hotel in Wicklow town.
During discussions over the Manager’s Report at Monday’s monthly meeting of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Pat Kennedy questioned whether the Department had recently been in touch with the Local Authority.
‘We know the Department of Justice gets in touch when bringing in a centre for direct provision. If so, when was the last time the Department of Justice contacted the council?’ asked Cllr Kennedy.
Council Chief Executive, Frank Curran responded that the last contact with the Department was in Wicklow town over the Grand Hotel.
Mr Curran also praised Wicklow Welcomes, a community group setup to provide a warm welcome and support to the asylum seekers being housed in the Grand, for their success in winning an ward at Friday night’s Chamber of Commerce Awards.
‘Has anyone from the Department been onto the council recently looking for anywhere?’ further inquired Cllr Kennedy.
In reply, Mr Curran said Wicklow County Council hadn’t received anything.
Cllr Grace McManus requested information over the role Wicklow County Council plays in supporting asylum seekers.
‘We have two centres in this county. I would be here all day If I was to start talking about my feelings over Direct Provision. However, I was wondering what role do we have in supporting asylum seekers, in welcoming them and making sure they have access to the services they need and deserve?’ she asked.
Mr Curran said that Wicklow Welcomes works closely with asylum seekers in Wicklow town, but that they are generally the responsibility of the Department of Justice.