Thread by @NascIreland

1/ Nasc welcomes the publication of the Catherine Day Advisory Group report. We're proud to be part of the Group that has recommended the end to direct provision & the reform of the int’l protection process.
Read our statement w/@IrishRefugeeCo nascireland.org/news/2020/nasc…
#DayReport

2. In this thread we share some of the headline recommendations for reform - from accommodation to legal aid. This report is far reaching and ambitious. It sets a tight timeline of 2023. We now need to ensure its recommendations are implemented.

3/ On accommodation - after 3 months in an initial reception centre, int'l protection applicants should be housed in own door accomm in the community. HAP-equivalent payments will be provided. Applicants can source their own accomm otherwise a placement will be secured for them.

4/ It will take time (2023) to make the transition completely away from hotels and hostels – in the meantime HIQA should be given remit to make inspections in direct provision centres to ensure that the National standards are being met.

5/ Int'l protection applicants shld wait no more than 6 months for a first instance decision on their protection application from the IPO. The appeals process would also be capped at 6 months. Extra resources & investment in technology will help make this possible.

6/ Early legal advice to be provided at the outset of the application process. This should help people make strong applications & cut down on the number of appeals. The Legal Aid Board will need a lot of additional resources to make this happen.

7/ The right to work should be given after 3 months (down from 9 months). The right to work should also be extended to include people still in the protection process who had already received a first instance decision when the Regulations were signed in 2018.

8/ The barrier to applying for driving licences should be lifted by the end of this year. On education: the same fee levels as apply to Irish citizens should apply to applicants for international protection who have not spent 3 years in the State.

9/ All students in the protection process leaving school should have access to PLC & vocational training (QQI5-6). Back to Education Allowance should be provided to people transitioning out of direct provision while in 3rd level.

10/ Unaccompanied Minors - Tusla social workers will be required to seek legal advice on whether to make an int'l protection application. This will help to protect their family reunification rights. UAM will also retain Tusla supports until their protection status is determined.

11/ To achieve all of this, we will need strong oversight & accountability measures
👉 Cabinet committee to report to govt on progress every 6 months
👉@OfficeOmbudsman to have extended remit on IPO & IPAT processes
👉 New independent oversight body to monitor progress.

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