Vol. 523 No. 4
216 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum seekers and refugees moved to various parts of the country under the dispersal policy operated by his Department; the success or otherwise of the policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21342/00]
The directorate for asylum support services was established in November 1999 under the aegis of my Department to co-ordinate, inter alia, the sourcing of suitable accommodation for asylum seekers and their resettlement at locations throughout the country. Prior to this most asylum seekers had been accommodated in Dublin. However, due to the acute shortage of accommodation in the capital, the Government decided that newly arrived asylum seekers should be dispersed throughout the country.
At present, 2,454 asylum seekers are being accommodated at 57 centres throughout the country.
The directorate is progressing the task of sourcing suitable accommodation facilities in all areas of the country, with the continuing aim of ensuring a fair and balanced distribution of asylum seekers throughout the State while at the same time having regard to their needs and the concerns of local communities.
I am satisfied that the system of direct provision and dispersal which is a fair and effective means of meeting the needs of asylum seekers while they await a decision on their applications continues to meet these objectives.
