An extra 650 beds for the two direct provision centres in Galway City, to assist with social distancing in those centres is a welcome move, but the "absence of detail is worrying".
This is the view of Independent Galway West TD, Catherine Connolly, who has welcomes the partial reinstatement of Dáil questions, although the allowed questions are only in relation to Covid-19 and its impact.
"This brings back some measure of accountability and oversight of the Government," she said, "and I have tabled several Dáil questions in relation to Direct Provision."
Dep Connolly said it is "entirely unclear" whether the existing accommodation provided allows residents to socially distance and/or self-isolate in compliance with Government guidelines.
She also said "no evidence" has been provided by the Government of any "action plan or procedures" setting out what is to happen in the event of any resident contracting Covid-19.
She said "full and frank information" is needed on this issue, especially when parliamentary accountability has been "severely restricted", with the Government given extraordinary powers by the Dáil until November 9 2020.
