A Cork-based fundraiser is aiming to help mothers in Direct Provision centres across the county to bring Christmas to their children. So far €11,000 has been raised to help bring Santa to Direct Provision centres on the Kinsale Road, and in Glounthaune, Clonakilty, and Mallow. Kinsale-based mother of two Ciara McDonnell set up a Christmas fundraiser for children in the Kinsale Road direct provision centre. Meanwhile, figures released to RTÉ reveal that 1,047 people have spent two-three years in direct provision accommodation; 748 have spent up to four years; and around 170 have been living in direct provision centres for seven years or more. People living in Direct Provision get a weekly allowance of €21.60 and are not allowed to engage in extra work or receive any other welfare payments.

Source: Evening echo December 03, 2018 15:00 UTC