The government’s decision to close a Kerry direct provision centre shows it’s serious about reforming the system.
That’s according to Jack Fitzpatrick, Chairperson of Cahersiveen Community and Business Alliance, who was speaking after confirmation that the Skellig Star Accommodation Centre will close in the coming months.
Yesterday, Minister for Justice and Equality Helen McEntee said the first residents will be moved from the centre in the coming weeks and it’s hoped all residents will be moved before year end; this was announced during the third day of the residents’ hunger strike.
Jack Fitzpatrick, who’s spoken to Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman, believes HIQA should have more of a role in direct provision.
He says those seeking asylum should also have a say in the process.
Resident Azwar Fuard says he and his fellow residents felt they’d no choice but to go on hunger strike to highlight their plight.
However, he says the local community in Cahersiveen and the Kerry public representatives were very supportive over the past four months – and it’s left an impact on him.
