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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Moving asylum seekers between centres

Summary

Deputy Troy objected to IPAS moving a vulnerable resident with established community ties from one centre to another at short notice. The Tánaiste said he shared the concern, accepted the human impact and would reflect on the case and discuss it with the Minister and officials.

We can all agree that migration works best where integration happens in communities. I acknowledge there is a difficulty with the lack of spaces for people seeking international protection but IPAS seems to be moving people around like pieces on a chess board. I am dealing with an elderly lady with severe medical complications has been living in a centre for two years. She has got involved in the community and made contacts with GPs and consultants. With three days' notice, she is being moved from one centre to another. It does not create additional space; it simply forces somebody who has established roots in a particular community after living there for two years to move from County Westmeath to County Monaghan. It is inhumane. She has supports in Westmeath. People should be facilitated. Obviously she cannot stay indefinitely in a centre and she will need to move out. She has permission to remain. She needs to be supported to stay in Westmeath and not moved to Monaghan. There is no net gain and she should be supported to stay there.

Comment on this

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. To be fair to the Minister and the Department of children and integration, they are endeavouring to create a sustainable system. Thousands of people have permission to reside in the State. I share the Deputy's concerns about someone being moved from Westmeath to Monaghan if that person has established roots in the community where she currently lives. On a human level of course I understand fully the point the Deputy is making. We do need to reflect on this. I do not know whether he can give me the details of the case to illustrate the challenges and impact that these changes can have on people and on families.

Comment on this