I had someone try and defend direct provision to me, saying it is a far cry from the Horrors of the Magdalene laundries or industrial schools.
The horror comes when people have been in such emergency accommodation for 9 + years, it is the only life some children have known.
When parents can not cook meals for children, get food when needed for sick children.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/mother-in-direct-provision-denied-food-at-night-for-sick-child-1.3684032?mode=amp
When there is no privacy, as adults are forced to sleep 4+ to a cramped room.
Here is how crammed rooms are in the East End Hotel Direct Provision centre in Portalington. Count the number of beds in that tiny space. Owner pockets more than €5000 per month for this small room. End it Minister @davidstantontd @CharlieFlanagan @LeoVaradkar @DeptJusticeIRL pic.twitter.com/VviRO7P8Me
— MASI – Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (@masi_asylum) July 31, 2019
When the accommodation is not clean or kept up to proper standards.
Dear @DeptJusticeIRL @davidstantontd @CharlieFlanagan,
Asylum seekers in Roscrea tell us that they’ve had to use their €38.80 weekly allowance to buy food, water, kitchen and cleaning products for the past 2 months. Things that should’ve been provided by owner. Refund them pic.twitter.com/grqWPLgh7m
— MASI – Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (@masi_asylum) August 6, 2019
When children are raping other children.
Then I wondered if Lisdoornvana should be at the top because of a woman who lost her unborn as there was no doctor nearby on the particular weekend. Maybe Hazel Hotel where a young man hanged himself? Or the one where a child raped another? Attempted suicide in Mosney? https://t.co/2xWnisN5am
— Bulelani Mfaco (@BulelaniMfaco) August 28, 2019
When women who happen to be trans are forced to be in men only accommodation.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/woman-buried-without-friends-present-after-death-in-direct-provision-centre-1.3917038
When women are having to consider sex work due to the lack of provision for school books and uniforms.
They can basically tick a box and say @welfare_ie pays back to school allowance. If it’s not enough for working parents, imagine an asylum seeker who is not allowed to work.
— Bulelani Mfaco (@BulelaniMfaco) August 29, 2019
When curfews are imposed and unwell people are locked out after going to A&E.
APPEAL: Belinda in Rathmore House in Co. Wicklow refuses to open the gate for 2 asylum seekers who travelled to St Vincent’s hospital for medical assistance. She says it’s too late. She is also refusing to arrange transport. We need 2 beds & transport in Dublin tonight
— MASI – Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (@masi_asylum) August 27, 2019
When people detained there are moved, with out reason or notice to other centers.
When people raped can not access the medical care they need.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/woman-buried-without-friends-present-after-death-in-direct-provision-centre-1.3917038
When those detained there have no idea if or when they will get to be released to have a normal life, or be sent back to a country where they will be killed; which results in them ending their own life.
The Laundries, Mother and Baby homes, the industrial schools, were all considered care carried out by those who were contracted, ie paid by the State to do so. They lacked care, compassion and were inhumane, and still people are deined thier Human Rights.
Direct provision is no different.
Want to help?
Find out what Support MASI need. https://www.masi.ie/support-us/
And get on to your TD https://www.whoismytd.com/