The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has said that the Irish government failed in implementing the new legislation allowing those in direct provision to apply for driver’s licences. There are currently 4430 international protection applicants at the moment who are awaiting an interview. The paper sets out the legislation which would allow for applicants of international protection to apply for a driving licence. The legislation was to be introduced before the summer of 2021.
The white paper sets out the State’s plan to end direct provision and introduce an international accommodation policy. The new system is to be based on a human rights approach and will be a two-phase approach to accommodating asylum seekers. During phase one asylum seekers will be accommodated in a reception and integration centre for four months during which they will be connected to appropriate services, their needs identified and information on legal aid, health services and education services will be provided to them. The new approach will also seek to focus on the needs of children and vulnerable asylum seekers. During phase one applicants will be able to apply for an Irish driving licence and to open a bank account.
Phase two will see asylum seekers accommodated in self-contained housing or rooms which will be located within local communities. The aim of phase two is to foster an independent life. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is involved in several cases on this issue. One of their cases involved a mother who is in a direct provision centre in a rural area. She had a full driving licence from her country of origin and needed an Irish driving licence to access childcare and work. The woman applied and passed her theory test and had an eye exam. She then applied for her permit but was denied as she was not a permanent resident in the State. This barrier to asylum seekers prevents them from access services that are needed to integrate and to build an independent life.