Vol. 519 No. 2
275 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the locations in Fingal he has sought to rent or purchase properties, whether hotels, private accommodation or hostels, for asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13306/00]
The directorate for asylum support services was established by the Government in November 1999 under the aegis of my Department and is responsible, inter alia, for accommodating asylum seekers. No properties have been rented, purchased or leased by or on behalf of the directorate in the Fingal County Council area for this purpose.
However, in accordance with Government policy, the directorate is currently assessing the potential of accommodation offers in all regions throughout the State and in this regard, a number of properties are being actively pursued. In line with normal practice, I do not propose to release details of these properties until such time as the arrangements in relation to them have been agreed and relevant formalities concluded with the proprietors.
