The decision by a retired Supreme Court judge to speak out against the institutionalisation of asylum seekers in the State has ignited discussion on the treatment of people seeking protection in Ireland. Catherine McGuinness compared the current system to the treatment many Irish people received in institutions such as industrial schools and the Magdalene Laundries in decades past – and rightly so.
The decision by a retired Supreme Court judge to speak out against the institutionalisation of asylum seekers in the State has ignited discussion on the treatment of people seeking protection in Ireland.
Catherine McGuinness compared the current system to the treatment many Irish people received in institutions such as industrial schools and the Magdalene Laundries in decades past – and rightly so.
And although it may sound prophetic today, there is every likelihood that within the next 30 years the present direct provision system could be subject of similar public inquiry.
Metro Éireann believes that McGuinness’ intervention offers the Government an ample opportunity to end the current housing of whom she described as “a very vulnerable group of children, men and women”.
Moreover, as IRC chief executive Sue Conlan continues to highlight, residents in direct provision are forced to be dependent on taxpayers and have no opportunity either to seek work or create employment for others.
And this newspaper has reported in recent months on the high risk of depression for those within the system – in the worst cases leading to suicide.
We believe that there is a huge societal price we all will pay should we not properly deal with this issue. The best time of handing it is now.
