Vol. 510 No. 6
46 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure the provision of adequate housing and accommodation for asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23319/99]
The rate at which asylum seekers are entering the country has escalated significantly in recent months and the supply of accommodation available for asylum seekers in the Dublin area is now virtually exhausted.
An advertisement was placed in the national and local newspapers by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform seeking offers of accommodation and there has been a significant response offering a wide variety of accommodation. My Department has sent details of these responses to each county and city manager requesting that the premises offering the greater level of accommodation be vetted as to their suitability as a matter of great urgency and to establish, in particular, that premises meet with appropriate fire precautions. Local authorities themselves have identified some premises at local level which may be suitable and these will now be vetted.
At its meeting on 9 November, the Government considered the serious situation which has arisen as a result of the unprecedented increase in asylum applications. The Government decided, inter alia, that a central directorate be established immediately under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to deal with matters relating to the dispersal of asylum seekers throughout the country and preparation of plans for a system of direct provision of accommodation, welfare needs, etc. Reports on the assessments from the local authorities are to be forwarded to this central directorate.
