A county-wide collection, to assist people living in Direct Provision in Galway, is taking place over the coming days, and donations of everything from sanitary products to toothbrushes are welcome.
The highly controversial Direct Provision system will be ended within the lifetime of the next Government, under a commitment in the draft deal between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Greens.
A much criticised system
However, this means the system will continue for some time yet. The system has long been a source of concern. The length of time people spend in Direct Provision has been criticised by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, which called the delays faced by asylum applicants as "systemic and pernicious".
Adults living in Direct Provision are on an allowance of €38.80 a week, while children receiving €28.90. However, the Government's Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, Dr Geoffrey Shannon, called it "institutionalised poverty". The Irish Refugee Council has reported that young people in Direct Provision are more prone to depression and suicide.
How to donate
In order to try and make like a little easier, a volunteer group, DP Donations Galway, will be holding collection points at the following locations:
Oughterard car park, Thursday June 18, 2pm to 4pm; Letterfrack carpark Friday June 19 (11am-12.30pm ); Clifden public carpark, Friday June 19, 2pm to 4pm; Emerald Ballroom Ballinasloe, Friday June 19 (6pm to 7pm ). The major collection point will be in the Black Box Theatre carpark, close to the theatre, on Saturday June 20 from 1pm to 2.30pm.
The group is asking people to donate toiletries, sanitary products, cleaning products, sun cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dry snacks, baby products, and vouchers for supermarkets.
For more information see Instagram @dpdonationsgalway.
