In the last few weeks I have met a remarkable group of people, originally from various African countries, who have made their new home in Sligo. They are anxious to contribute to their new home in whatever way possible and have asked me to draw attention to a letter on behalf of the Abolish Direct Provision Ireland group, addressed to all elected representatives. This letter calls for the endorsement of the group's Amnesty 2.0 campaign. It states as follows:

For over twenty-six years, the Direct Provision system has subjected thousands of individuals and families to conditions unworthy of a State committed to human rights. Many of our members [of Abolish Direct Provision Ireland] have spent prolonged periods five, ten, or in some cases more than fifteen years living under a system characterised by restriction, isolation, discrimination, and systemic dehumanisation. These experiences include social exclusion, reputational harm, emotional distress, and repeated incidents of verbal and physical abuse. Such conditions have no place in a modern and compassionate Republic.

Despite these challenges, the people within Direct Provision have demonstrated exceptional resilience, commitment, and civic responsibility. Our members are workers, learners, community volunteers, and parents contributing daily to Irish society. Their work ethic, strong integration, and outstanding references from employers, educators, and community leaders directly counter harmful stereotypes and show a community ready and fully equipped to continue contributing to Ireland’s social and economic life.

Our request is reasonable, constructive, and in the national interest. We are not seeking new financial supports or additional public resources. We are simply seeking the right to remain lawfully in Ireland the country where our members have studied, worked, paid taxes, raised children, integrated into communities, and built meaningful lives. In return, Ireland gains stability within essential sectors experiencing labour shortages, strengthens its social fabric, and moves closer to ending an outdated and costly [direct provision] system.

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In this context, we respectfully request your endorsement of the Amnesty 2.0 campaign, calling on the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, to grant permission to remain to the 1,500 [that is all it is] ADPI members still living in Direct Provision and emergency accommodation.