Written Answers Nos. 445-465
445. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children on waiting lists for an assessment of need for October 2019 to 2023, inclusive, in tabular form; the number overdue for completion and the average length of wait. [49748/23]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. As the Deputy may be aware, the industrial action that commenced on Friday 6th October, by management and administrative grades in Fórsa Trade Union in the HSE, will impact on the response times to Parliamentary Questions and Representations.
446. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 63 of 7 November 2023, how much Exchequer funding has been given to an organisation (details supplied) for each of the years 2020 to 2022 and to date in 2023. [49761/23]
View answerTo avoid identifying the organisation in question, my Department will write directly to the Deputy with this information.
447. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that an organisation’s auditors (details supplied) are a named firm, tasked with preparing the financial report of the organisation; if his Department is aware that the organisation has requested another firm to assist it in preparing its report; and if his Department has asked the organisation why the second opinion is needed of a major accountancy firm. [49762/23]
View answer448. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in the course of his Department’s discussions with an organisation (details supplied), has his Department has been made aware that no AGM has taken place for the purposes of approving its annual report and financial statements; the reason this meeting has not taken place; and the reason that figures have been provided to the CRA in the absence of statements being provided to members to approve. [49763/23]
View answer450. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that the full board of an organisation (details supplied) has not signed off the final accounts. [49765/23]
View answer453. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that certain directors of an organisation (details supplied) have refused to sign off on its annual report as they believe it not to be a going concern; and the reason this has not been disclosed to the members of the organisation. [49768/23]
View answer454. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that an organisation (details supplied) informed its members on Monday, 28 August 2023, that it was postponing its AGM due to a “delay in the audit process”; if his Department is aware of the reason for this delay; and if so, if he will identify the reason. [49769/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 447, 448, 450, 453 and 454 together.
The organisation referred to by the Deputy is a voluntary body, governed by its own Board. It receives some of its funding from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and raises other funding through member subscriptions and fund raising.
My Department provides funding to this organisation primarily through the Youth Service Grant (YSGS) Scheme. The Youth Service Grant Scheme has governance controls in place to ensure the appropriate use of public monies. Funding to this organisation is made available on the basis of an application process. This application process involves the outlining of specific deliverables related to the provision of services, and funds allocated to any organisation must be accounted for within specific budgetary streams related to these deliverables.
The organisation's selection of auditor and finalisation of accounts is a matter for their Board.
Officials in my Department have recently met with a number of senior managers and board members of the organisation to discuss the submission of the annual report, the holding of the AGM and other governance issues.
I understand that this organisation will submit audited financial reports in the coming weeks, and that an AGM will be called following consideration by the board has signed of the financial reports.
449. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department has received a draft or full annual report of an organisation (details supplied). [49764/23]
View answerMy Department has not yet received the 2022 annual report from the organisation in question.
Officials in my Department have been in regular contact with the organisation regarding the submission of the annual report, and held a meeting on 13 November 2023 with a number of senior managers and board members of the organisation to discuss this and other governance issues.
I understand that this organisation will submit audited financial reports in the coming weeks. The organisation is aware that any significant delay in submission of the audit financial reports could result in delayed funding from my Department.
451. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that an organisation (details supplied) confirmed in August 2023 that a director of the organisation has been suspended; if so, the reason they were suspended; if his Department has been told why they have been suspended; and if his Department advised the organisation that the director should step down. [49766/23]
View answer452. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth who provided legal advice on the suspension of the director of an organisation (details supplied). [49767/23]
View answer457. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that an organisation (details supplied) has had an interim chief executive since June 2022 while its chief executive is on sick leave; and if his Department can outline how long the organisation will have two chief executives without appointing a new chief executive. [49772/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 451, 452 and 457 together.
The organisation referred to by the Deputy is a voluntary body, governed by its own Board. It receives some of its funding from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and raises other funding through member subscriptions and fund raising.
My Department provides funding to this organisation primarily through the Youth Service Grant Scheme. The Youth Service Grant Scheme has governance controls in place to ensure the appropriate use of public monies. Funding to this organisation is made available on the basis of an application process. This application process involves the outlining of specific deliverables related to the provision of services, and funds allocated to any organisation must be accounted for within specific budgetary streams related to these deliverables.
The organisation's recruitment processes, for both staff and directors, are a matter for their Board.
455. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that there were 52 cases lodged in relation to the alleged abuse within an organisation (details supplied) in the High Court as of February 2023 in Ireland, and an additional case facing ,he will confirm how many more cases have arisen, either in the Republic or the North, since February 2023; and if his Department has asked the organisation for a list of its assets and their value in order to estimate how it can cover the costs of all of these cases. [49770/23]
View answer456. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of assets owned by an organisation (details supplied) being transferred into trusts; and if his Department is concerned that the movement of assets could be seen as an attempt by the organisation to put some of its assets outside the reach of victims of child abuse. [49771/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 455 and 456 together.
The organisation referred to by the Deputy is a voluntary body, governed by its own Board. It receives some of its funding from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and raises other funding through member subscriptions and fund raising.
My Department provides funding to this organisation primarily through the Youth Service Grant Scheme. The Youth Service Grant Scheme has governance controls in place to ensure the appropriate use of public monies. Funding to this organisation is made available on the basis of an application process. This application process involves the outlining of specific deliverables related to the provision of services, and funds allocated to any organisation must be accounted for within specific budgetary streams related to these deliverables.
The organisation's litigation and asset control is a matter for their Board.
458. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth how many regulators are now involved in requests into an organisation (details supplied) in 2023; if the CRA, CEA, DPC, and Tusla are all investigating; if his Department has received and acted internally on any disclosures in relation to the organisation; the reason freedom of information requests in relation to the SI pre-Budget submission have been obstructed or delayed; if his Department will publish this submission; and if his Department accepts the organisation’s claim that it will grow its membership by 5,000 a year for three years. [49773/23]
View answerThe organisation referred to by the Deputy is a voluntary body, governed by its own Board. It receives some of its funding from my Department h and raises other funding through member subscriptions and fund raising.
My Department provides funding to this organisation primarily through the Youth Service Grant Scheme. The Youth Service Grant Scheme has governance controls in place to ensure the appropriate use of public monies. Funding to this organisation is made available on the basis of an application process. This application process involves the outlining of specific deliverables related to the provision of services, and funds allocated to any organisation must be accounted for within specific budgetary streams related to these deliverables.
In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy:
• Investigations by the bodies referred to by the Deputy are matters for the organisation's Board. My Department will act on any relevant reports received from those bodies once any investigations are complete.
• My Department received a Protected Disclosure relating to this organisation earlier this year and it was forwarded at that time to the Protected Disclosure Commissioner for appropriate action, in accordance with protocol.
• My Department has no record of a Freedom of Information request of the nature described by the deputy. If one is submitted, it would be dealt with in accordance with the standard process.
• The organisation's membership projections are a matter for the Board of the organisation.
Officials in my Department continue to liaise with this organisation on relevant matters, and recently met with members of the senior management team and the board to discuss issues including compliance with governance requirements and the safeguarding of young people.
459. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to a petition (details supplied) in respect of funding; his plans to provide assistance to the named group; and if he can outline the rationale for not providing funding. [49783/23]
View answerIn 2023, the LGBTI+ Community Services Fund was oversubscribed and as a result the assessment process was very competitive. For this reason, unfortunately, my Department was only in a position to provide funding to 25 out of a total of 101 applicants.
In recognition of the highly competitive funding call, all applications received were assessed and scored in strict adherence with the assessment criteria set out in the published funding call guidelines. Applications were assessed by two separate assessors within the Department. For applications where there was a pertinent difference of opinion between the scores given by those two assessors, an external reviewer was asked to review the application to provide a final score.
Thirty three percent of Scheme A (€25,000 to €100,000) applicants were successful. Due to oversubscription of the fund, and our commitment to fund as many worthwhile projects as possible, successful Scheme A applicants were only awarded only 70% of the amount sought in their original application.
Nineteen percent of Scheme B applicants were successful. Successful Scheme B projects (€5,000 to €10,000) were awarded the full amount applied for as it is likely the projects would not be feasible if funding was reduced.
Should additional funding become available, the highest scoring unsuccessful organisation will be contacted.
Any organisation looking for feedback or who wishes to appeal the assessment team’s decision should contact lgbti@equality.gov.ie.
The 2024 LGBTI+ Community Services Fund is due to be launched in June 2024.
460. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will be supporting a campaign (details supplied) launched by a number of trade unions for improved workplace supports concerning menstruation and the menopause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49800/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to ensuring that workplaces consider the reality of employees’ lives and recognises that menopause is a key health issue for women. The work of the Women’s Health Taskforce, which was convened in September 2019 by the Minister for Health, has been very important in driving progress in this area. The need for more awareness within the workplace of the impact of the symptoms of menopause and menstruation is also acknowledged in the Government's Healthy Workplace Framework, which aims to promote changes in the culture, policies and practices in workplaces in order to lead to improvements in physical and mental health and wellbeing and work-life balance.
My Department is commissioning research with a view to providing a range of advice to employers to better support employees suffering from either menstrual symptoms or going through menopause. It will focus on understanding the factors in terms of working conditions that can affect employees whose menstrual or menopause symptoms limit their daily activities. It will also look at effective support mechanisms that employers have put in place, whether formal or informal and at workplace support mechanisms in place in other countries that have been recognised as good practice and that may be suitable for trial in Ireland.
The project aims to integrate the experiences of a diverse range of employees as much as possible, including disabled and LGBTI+ employees. It is planned that this study will begin early next year and the research will inform the development of Government policy in this area, including guidance for employers, so we can continue to improve the work life balance for all.
461. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has developed an online reporting system for the 2023 Gender Pay Gap reporting cycle which will consist of a central portal where all employer reports will be uploaded and can be accessed publicly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49805/23]
View answerRegulations have been made under the Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 which have enabled reporting from 2022 by employers with over 250 employees. The Regulations also require employers to publish a statement setting out, in the employers’ opinion, the reasons for the gender pay gap in their company and what measures are being taken or proposed to be taken by the employer to eliminate or reduce that pay gap. Employers are required to publish their report and statement in a manner easily accessible to the public, such as on their website.
Future regulations made under the Act may provide for a central website on to which employers will be required to upload their information. Such a system is not in place for the current reporting cycle. Plans to develop an online reporting system for future reporting cycles are being advanced by my Department.
462. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in relation to the response from a Topical Issue on disability on 17 October 2023 (details supplied), if the €56 million unspent referenced within the disability budget has been repurposed; if so, to what has this funding been repurposed; and if any of this funding has been repurposed to the Children's disability service grant fund. [49810/23]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. As the Deputy may be aware, the industrial action that commenced on Friday 6th October, by management and administrative grades in Fórsa Trade Union in the HSE, will impact on the response times to Parliamentary Questions and Representations.
463. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide, in tabular form, a breakdown of the allocations to the various Programme E sub-headings contained in the Budget-day estimates and subsequent REVs for each of the past seven years and for 2024; and if possible, a breakdown of the respective associated output targets. [49883/23]
View answerThe Deputy may wish to note that Programme E only came into existence in 2020 arising from the transfer of a number of functions from the Department of Justice to my Department in relation to Equality, Integration, Disability and Human Rights which took effect from the 14th October 2020. In addition, provision for new Ukraine related spending on the Vote in 2022 was provided for by way of a Supplementary Estimate for my Department in 2022. A breakdown of the allocations to the various Programme E sub-headings contained in the Budget-day estimates and subsequent REVs allocations along with associated output targets for each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 has been provided in the tables below;
REV Tables
|
2020 |
CURRENT |
CAPITAL |
TOTAL |
|
FREV |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
|
E01 (Administration pay) |
4,613 |
0 |
4,613 |
|
E02 (Administration - non-pay) |
1,635 |
0 |
1,635 |
|
E03 Asylum, Migration & Integration Fund (AMIF) |
1,769 |
0 |
1,769 |
|
E04 International Protection Seekers Accommodation |
200,620 |
0 |
200,620 |
|
TOTAL |
208,637 |
0 |
208,637 |
|
2021 |
CURRENT |
CAPITAL |
TOTAL |
|
REV |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
|
E01 (Administration pay) |
8,521 |
0 |
8,521 |
|
E02 (Administration - non-pay) |
1,596 |
0 |
1,596 |
|
E03 Asylum, Migration & Integration Fund (AMIF) |
1,386 |
0 |
1,386 |
|
E04 International Protection Seekers Accommodation |
218,000 |
0 |
218,000 |
|
TOTAL |
229,503 |
0 |
229,503 |
|
|
|||
|
2022 |
CURRENT |
CAPITAL |
TOTAL |
|
REV |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
|
E01 (Administration pay) |
10,205 |
0 |
10,205 |
|
E02 (Administration - non-pay) |
2,072 |
0 |
2,072 |
|
E03 Asylum, Migration & Integration Fund (AMIF) |
2,930 |
0 |
2,930 |
|
E04 International Protection Seekers Accommodation |
349,325 |
12,500 |
361,825* |
|
E05 Ukraine Accommodation & related costs |
558,200 |
35,000 |
593,200* |
|
TOTAL |
922,732 |
47,500 |
970,232 |
|
|
|||
|
2023 |
CURRENT |
CAPITAL |
TOTAL |
|
REV |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
|
E01 (Administration pay) |
13,130 |
0 |
13,130 |
|
E02 (Administration - non-pay) |
2,121 |
0 |
2,121 |
|
E03 Asylum, Migration & Integration Fund (AMIF) |
2,786 |
0 |
2,786 |
|
E04 International Protection Seekers Accommodation |
385,436 |
9,500 |
394,936 |
|
E05 Ukraine Accommodation & related costs |
577,800 |
63,000 |
640,800 |
|
TOTAL |
981,273 |
72,500 |
1,053,773 |
* These figures reflect the Supplementary Estimate amounts approved for 2022 for Vote 40 in relation to subheads E04 and E05.
|
2024 |
CURRENT |
CAPITAL |
TOTAL |
|
Budget Estimate |
€’000 |
€’000 |
€’000 |
|
E01 (Administration pay) |
18,731 |
0 |
18,731 |
|
E02 (Administration - non-pay) |
2,846 |
0 |
2,846 |
|
E03 Asylum, Migration & Integration Fund (AMIF) |
2,786 |
0 |
2,786 |
|
E04 International Protection Seekers Accommodation |
399,644 |
9,500 |
409,144 |
|
E05 Ukraine Accommodation & related costs |
1,429,441 |
61,000 |
1,490,441 |
|
TOTAL |
1,853,448 |
70,500 |
1,923,948 |
Output Target Table
|
REV |
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Subhead |
Key Outputs and Public Service Activities |
Output Target |
Output Target |
Output Target |
Output Target |
|
E04 |
Number of Inspections of Accommodation Centres Published |
45 |
103 |
138 |
138 |
|
E04 |
Percentage of Designated Accommodation Centres where Residents Can Choose and Prepare Their Own Meal |
65.5% |
73% |
80% |
80% |
|
E04 |
Percentage of International Protection applicants who have been granted permission to remain transitioned out of IPAS accommodation into the community |
New Metric |
New Metric |
20% |
|
|
E04 |
No. of bodies funded under the International Protection Integration Fund |
New Metric |
New Metric |
More than 30 |
|
|
E04 |
No. of Local Authorities funded to recruit Integration Support Workers |
New Metric |
New Metric |
31 |
|
|
E04 |
Acquisition of properties for Phase Two accommodation in the community |
New Metric |
100 |
10 |
|
|
E04 |
Transition of IPAS residents into supported accommodation |
New Metric |
New Metric |
More than 50 |
|
|
E05 |
Percentage of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) requesting State accommodation accommodated (all settings) |
N/A |
100% |
100% |
|
|
E05 |
Percentage of accommodated BOTPs in pledged and modular accommodation |
N/A |
13% |
26% |
|
|
E05 |
Percentage of accommodated BOTPs in settings other than hotel |
N/A |
58% |
67% |
464. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated cost, broken into current and capital, of ending direct provision. [49884/23]
View answer465. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the updated estimated cost, broken into current and capital, of ending direct provision, as per Chapter 10 of A White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service. [49885/23]
View answer467. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated cost, broken into current and capital, of providing a State-owned and operated phase 1 accommodation unit for 50, 100, 250 and 500 international protection applicants/asylum seekers respectively. [49887/23]
View answer468. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated cost, broken into current and capital, of providing a State-owned and operated phase 2 accommodation unit for 50, 100, 250 and 500 international protection applicants/asylum seekers respectively. [49888/23]
View answer469. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth recognising that 37 properties were purchased in 2022 to commence the movement of IPAS residents into Phase 2 accommodation, what the estimated additional cost is of completing the movement of IPAS residents into Phase 2 accommodation, with a breakdown identifying the capital, i.e., all-in costs of purchasing, refurbishing or constructing units costs and the current costs including income supports (netting off any savings that may be secured from moving individuals out of the existing direct provision model). [49889/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 464, 465, 467, 468 and 469 together.
There are currently over 25,000 persons in IPAS accommodation. Since the beginning of 2023 to date, over 9,700 people have arrived seeking International Protection, many of whom have been accommodated by IPAS. This is addition to 13,651 new arrivals in 2022. In this context, there is a recognition that the underlying assumptions of the White Paper need to be re-examined, as it was originally based on 3,500 new arrivals each year. This review process is currently underway. As part of this process, a full economic review of estimated costs for the White Paper is being undertaken. This expected to be completed in the coming weeks. The Department has contracted consultants to provide expertise in this area.
Notwithstanding the acute accommodation pressures faced by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) in accommodating International Protection applicant’s ,significant work has continued to deliver on the commitments made in the White Paper under the three core strands – Accommodation, Integration and Supports.
Accommodation
• There has been a focus on increasing the state owned accommodation capacity including progressing the buying of pre-existing buildings and advancing the planning process for the construction of purpose built centres.
• Work has also been carried out to deliver some accommodation in the community with thirty-seven properties purchased to date at a cost of €9.2m. Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) have been commissioned to operationalise these properties, and will be prioritised to accommodate vulnerable IP applicants. The properties will be delivered on a phased basis over the next number of months. DCEDIY, the Housing Agency and the AHBS are currently working together to develop and agree the refurbishment and operationalise costs for the properties.
• A dedicated 8 bed unit for victims of trafficking (VOT) in accordance with White Paper recommendations has been established. The VOT unit is currently being staffed and residents are being identified for the unit.
• The Department is progressing the introduction of independent monitoring of IPAS centres by HIQA, providing greater confidence on the standards being applied in existing IP accommodation.
Integration
• In order to improve the ability to integrate Government has granted International Protection applicants the right to work after six months, the right to apply for a driving licence, and access to bank accounts.
• A new local integration model has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), the City and County Management Authority (CCMA) and the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA). The model centres on a new national network of Local Authority Integration Teams (LAITs), funded by DCEDIY, to be located in each local authority, to better help International Protection applicants engage with existing local services. The cost per Local Authority for the LAITS is €330,000. This includes funding for one Integration Support Coordinator, two Integration Support Workers and one Administrative supports. Recruitment for the LAITs is underway by individual Local Authorities with some already having made appointments. A Working Group, chaired by the LGMA, has been established to develop the detailed functions of the LAITs.
• An international Protection Integration Fund was launched in 2022, which aims to enable community based organisations across Ireland to play a greater role in supporting the integration of International Protection applicants at local and national level. Over €2.8m in funding have been awarded to 137 organisations since the fund was launched in in 2022.
Supports Services
• A vulnerability assessment process has been available to all IP applicant arrivals since February 2021. For the period from 1st February 2021 to 1st November 2023, 4,050 vulnerability assessments have been undertaken. This process is enabling IPAS to identify IP applicants with specified needs and to refer such persons, as necessary, to the HSE where those needs involve mental or physical health issues.
• A new funding framework to support the Children and Young People’s Services Committees (CYPSC) in further developing, enhancing and expanding the provision of their support services to children, young people and their families in International Protection accommodation settings was launched in 2023. €1.3m has been provided under this new fund. Examples of initiatives funded include projects aimed at Community Integration, Supports for Parents, Emergency Accommodation and Mental Health. This has enabled families and children in International Protection settings to engage with their local community through for music and sports programmes, well-being programmes and cultural community exchange events.
• A customer service team was established in IPAS in 2021 which runs clinics, often in cooperation with NGO partners, for applicants in newly established centres or in centres with higher than average complaints rates.
• NGOs have been contracted to provide in-centre supports to IP applicants. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), for instance, has been contracted to provide orientation and social supports to IP applicants at the Citywest Transit Hub and to link them with mainstream services.
• The REALT network of language supports for Ukrainian children has been extended to provide support to children in International Protection in terms of securing school places and additional supports.
• Under the European Social Fund 2021-2027 funding has been allocated the DCEDIY to recruit dedicated practitioners to support families living in IPAS accommodation. Adopting a multiagency, multidisciplinary approach, these practitioners will provide a standardised pathway for family support within each of the 17 Tusla areas. Supports will vary depending on the needs of each individual family but may consist of delivering individualised parenting programmes and family support clinics or facilitating the integration of families by building connections with Family Resource Centres in the locality.
• €4.7m in funding has been provided in the 2024 budget for a child payment for families in International Protection. Work is now ongoing to secure sanction for the payment as it is a new development measure.
The implementation of a new model of accommodation and supports for International Protection applicants is and will continue to be a key priority for my Department. As indicated plans are underway to reassess the capacity needs and develop new costings for ending Direct Provision.
