Sinn Féin spokesperson on Equality, Integration and Law Reform Pa Daly TD has called on the government to implement the recommendations of the Expert Group report with regards the right to work for those in Direct Provision.

Speaking today, Teachta Daly said:

“The Expert Group report was clear that the right to work should be granted to any applicant for protection who has not yet received a final decision on their application within three months of making an application for protection.

“If the government is going to ignore this recommendation, I fear it will take a minimalist approach at best to all of the other recommendations.

“The report provides a good blueprint for the ending of Direct Provision but I am not filled with confidence that the government’s white paper will produce the necessary result for all involved.

“We have seen a young man go on hunger strike in Mosney Direct Provision Center over the matter. A proper right to work is something which Sinn Féin has called for a number of years. This issue must be addressed urgently.”