New DP policy is ‘small step’

Asylum seekers need to be properly integrated into society, both at a “psychological and emotional  level” a Dublin-based priest has said.

The comments come after new Government policy will allow asylum seekers in Direct Provision to work with greater ease and seek their own accommodation. It is understood that around 3,000 people will be eligible to take up temporary or permanent jobs.

The new policy will create a much broader range of jobs that a person can apply for and includes the removal of any application fee. However, Nick Henderson, CEO Irish Refugee Council, pointed out that given the Direct Provision Allowance (€21.60 per week) may be reduced or withdrawn from people who are working, there needs to be “careful monitoring”.

Commenting on the initiative, DIT chaplain and advocate of migrant’s rights, Fr Alan Hilliard said: “This is a step forward, definitely there was a lot of pressure to finish what we know as Direct Provision because it was wholly inadequate and dehumanising…you’ve got remember you’re talking about human beings in the process and how best do we accompany them. I mean there’s an awful lot of populist decisions being made by the Government and the media like to print them. But what’s actually happening beneath the policy needs to be examined.”

“We’ve got to remember we’re dealing with human beings – going from one system to another without adequate support is not helpful to society.”