Vol. 518 No. 3
244 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 378 of 11 April 2000, the proposals, if any, he has to consult in advance with local communities on where accommodation is to be provided for asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11586/00]
The directorate for Asylum Support Services, which was established in November 1999 under the aegis of my Department is responsible, inter alia, for meeting the accommodation needs of asylum seekers.
As outlined in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 378 of 11 April 2000, the directorate, in accordance with Government policy, is currently assessing the potential of accommodation offers in all regions throughout the State. In line with normal practice, I do not propose to release details of properties being actively pursued until such time as the arrangements in relation to them have been agreed and relevant formalities concluded with the proprietors.
Because of the shortage of accommodation in Dublin the Eastern Health Board has had to urgently accommodate asylum seekers coming to the country in properties sourced by the directorate. However, with effect from 10 April 2000, the directorate has taken over the allocation of all accommodation. New structures and arrangements have been put in place which will facilitate both the preparation of asylum seekers and the provision of information to local communities. Under the new arrangements, asylum seekers will be accommodated at initial reception centres in Dublin for a period of one to two weeks for the purposes, inter alia, of needs assessment and processing of the initial stages of their asylum applications before being resettled at other locations around the country. The directorate recently took possession of three initial reception centres in Dublin. Meetings with local community representatives were arranged in each case prior to opening. From week commencing 17 April 2000 staff from the directorate will be attending similar meetings at locations all around the country where asylum seekers are to be resettled.
