Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions
Dail Éireann — 2023-05-23
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Holly Cairns (SD), Cork South-West

We all appreciate that but we need to see more of it. The point is that when there are no meetings taking place the empty void is filled with misinformation and we are seeing the consequence of that. It is too horrific to allow to continue.
The Taoiseach mentioned the bigger picture. In her report last November, Dr. Catherine Day urged the Government to develop a long-term strategy to the crisis. Dr. Day said it was imperative that the Government act quickly and build State-run, not-for-profit, reception and integration centres. She said it was feasible to deliver two by the end of this month and a further four by the end of the year. Has there been any progress on that?
Last week there were more than 500 asylum seekers on the street with no available accommodation. The Irish Times has reported that there were 1,250 vacant rest centre beds in 27 locations across the country. As we speak 250 homeless asylum seekers are still looking for somewhere to go. They are only being provided with a €28 Dunnes voucher. It is difficult to feel there is a real overall strategy that is actually working and having an impact on the ground and in the communities.
The Taoiseach said on Friday the Minister, Deputy Roderic O'Gorman, has asked for and been given additional staff. Will the Taoiseach confirm how many additional staff have been seconded from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to assist with this work? What is the plan for the long-term strategy for State-run integration centres?

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2023-05-23/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:51:56+00:00
Sitting date: 2023-05-23