Direct provision system is not the same as ‘being killed by police’
‘Some have their own door’
THE Taoiseach has defended the direct provision system for asylum seekers, saying some aspects of it need to change but that it does not fuel racism.
Leo Varadkar yesterday described direct provision as a ‘service’ provided by the State as he dismissed comparisons made between asylum seekers’ treatment here and the killing of George Floyd in the US.
Referring to asylum seekers, he said ‘they are provided with free accommodation, food, heat, light, healthcare and education, and also some spending money’.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan confirmed last month that almost 8,000 asylum seekers receive accommodation and support across the State.
However, there have been concerns about the ability of people living in direct provision to social distance and self-isolate because of cramped conditions.
Yesterday, TDs in the Dáil called for an end to the current direct provision system, with some making comparisons between it and the killing of George Floyd.
Mr Varakdar said successive governments have tried and will continue to reform direct provision but he stressed that it is an optional system.
‘A lot of direct provision accommodation is sub-standard and that needs to change,’ the Taoiseach conceded but added: ‘Some of it is a good standard with people being able to have their own door and catering.
‘Some of it is of a bad standard and that needs to change.
‘But I think we need to understand the difference between direct provision and a man who was killed by the police by having somebody step on his neck.
‘Direct provision ultimately is a service offered by the State. It is not compulsory and it is not a form of detention. It is a service provided by the State and they [asylum seekers] are provided with free accommodation, food, heat, light, healthcare and education, and also some spending money. It is not the same thing as a man being killed by the police.’
The Taoiseach added that he does not believe the system fuels racism.
‘Does it add to racism or not? I hope it doesn’t,’ he said. ‘Lots of communities have welcomed accommodation centres in their towns and villages and set up welcoming centres so I don’t think it always fuels racism.’