#DirectProvision (Irish: Soláthar Díreach) is a system of asylum seeker accommodation used in the Republic of Ireland. The system has been criticised by human rights organisations as illegal, inhuman and degrading, while proponents argue that it ensures asylum seekers are housed and cared for, in accordance with international law. #DirectProvisionCentre The system, operated by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of the Department of Justice and Equality, provides asylum seeker residents with accommodation free of charge and a living allowance.[2] #Asylumseekers in Direct Provision are usually entitled to state-funded medical care,[3] and children have full mainstream access to the education system. Direct Provision was originally introduced as an emergency measure in 1999.[4] In 2002 there were almost 12,000 applications for asylum. At the start of 2014, there were 4,360 people in direct provision, with more than 3,000 people having been in the system for two or more years....