Ending direct provision

Brussels, 2 July 2020 – JRS Ireland has launched a new study, Protection with Dignity: Roadmap to System Change, which identifies three mechanisms for system change to end Direct Provision: expedited long stayer scheme to achieve a twelve month case processing target; new model of accommodation provision based on a ‘distribution key’; and a holistic range of person centre supports from the moment of arrival.
Expedited long stayer scheme to achieve a twelve month case processing target

Direct Provision was designed for short stays of no more than six months and the stated Government goal is to deliver final decisions in twelve months, therefore long stayers -understtod as persons that stay more than two years in the process- should now be fast-tracked through the system. This would resolved the status of an estimated 2,750 two year plus cases over a six month period.

When added to the existing 1,000 persons who have received their status, but still reside in Direct Provision centres, and the 250 awaiting grant letters, a total of 4,000 persons would be in a position to exit Direct Provision in a short period.
Other measures to achieve the twelve month processing target include enhanced access to early legal advice, improved IT systems to eliminate bureaucratic delays and better communication with applicants. Also, the effectiveness of any long stayer scheme is that it is delivered quickly and not at the expense of creating delays elsewhere; so the allocation, recruitment and retention of required case processing resources is vital.
New model of accommodation

The current model of accommodation provision is unsustainable. A new model derived from EU Resettlement Programmes should be developed. This would be local authority led, based around a ‘distribution key’ to ensure equal geographical distribution and underpinned by designated hub locations with sufficient population, economic strength and support services. Smaller towns could act as spokes receiving less protection applicants but linked to services centrally in hubs.

The new structure would be underpinned by an independent living model enabling protection applicants to have greater autonomy and effective control over their lives.
This approach would allow local authorities to manage community expectations and lead to equitable sharing of accommodation responsibility. The new housing responsibility for protection applicants would have to be balanced with existing responsibilities for vulnerable households and social housing needs locally. Clear communication will be very important to avoid frustration and tension between groups with competing housing needs.

Accommodation centres built on state land could act as a safety valve at times of large and unanticipated demand. Essentially, capacity added to state centres could act as a backstop long term for unanticipated large inflows or in the shorter term to facilitate the transition process from existing centres to the new local authority distribution model.

Support from the moment of arrival

International resettlement experience demonstrates the benefits for protection applicants being welcomed in a communal setting for short initial periods. Newly arrived applicants should receive targeted reception and orientation supports through a one-stop-shop information and referral service and medical screening and vulnerability assessment to identify specialised needs.

To improve long term integration outcomes, the right to work should be provided as early as possible, in line with international best practice. Barriers, such as those relating to driving licenses and opening bank accounts should be removed.

Education is vital for the wellbeing of protection applicants. We would advocate allowing access to further education courses, at QQI Level 5 and 6, in line with the Working Group recommendation.

Finally, adequate financial support is required to enable applicants live with dignity.

At the centre of the protection system are people. Individuals, children and families who have been forcibly displaced from their homes and crossed borders in search of protection. Each has a name, a face and a story. Each is deserving of having their protection claim processed fairly and speedily and to be received and accommodated with dignity while awaiting a final decision.

System changes require time and space to affect. Five years after the Working Group reported we have learned a roadmap is not enough – there needs to be an implementation plan and an adequately resourced implementing body to ensure system change committed to over the lifetime of this Government happens.

Link to the full report of ‘Protection with Dignity: Roadmap to System Change’.