Galway Bay fm newsroom:
Concerns have been raised over the growing numbers of children in direct provision in Galway.
There are almost 400 people in direct provision in Galway's two centres at Great Western House in the city and at the Eglington in Salthill.
This includes 56 children, with 30 aged between 5 and 12.
Figures show over 6,000 people are in such centres nationwide.
The Minister for Justice and Equality says in order to meet demand for accommodation places, expressions of interest have been sought from suitable premises.
Galway East Fianna Fail TD Anne Rabbitte says it's 20 years since the direct provision system was introduced as a temporary measure.
She says the system leaves children exposed to unsuitable and unsafe conditions and needs to be reviewed.
