Sir, – I strongly agree with you editorial on direct provision (October 9th).
I am aware that Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan is looking at the possibility of allowing those in direct provision to seek employment.
However there is one move that could be made immediately, and that is to give those in direct provision access to education, particularly vocational training.
In theory they can attend but must pay the full rate, which could amount to several thousand euro per course. On €19 per week this is impossible.
We have an acknowledged shortage of skills, especially in hospitality, construction and healthcare. If some people are subsequently repatriated, at least they will have something to show for their time here. – Yours, etc,
JOE MANNING,
Bagenalstown,
Co Carlow.