Opposition parties have called for an end to direct provision for refugees after an independent report found that children in the system complained about conditions and felt unsafe living close to single men.
Althought some of those interviewed complimented friendly staff and the activities provided, many wanted their own home away from other refugees.
Gerry Adams, the Sinn Féin president, yesterday compared direct provision to the Magdalene laundry system because it stigmatised people and removed them from the general public.
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, the Labour senator, said that the party would raise the issue in the autumn term of the Seanad.
He called for direct provision to be removed from the justice department.
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“Justice department officials tend to look at things from a law and order perspective and that’s not what’s needed here. Some officials have told me that if they improve conditions, there will be a ‘pull factor’ in which more migrants will be attracted to Ireland. I find that unacceptable,” he said.
Direct provision is offered to refugees while their asylum claim is processed. They receive food and an allowance and are not allowed to work.
The report was written after consultations with children in the system. The Department of Justice yesterday said it had implemented 98 per cent of recommendations from the 2015 McMahon report, and had recently increased allowances for families and made renewed efforts to integrate refugees.