Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 4

Written Answers. - Asylum Seekers' Accommodation.

David Stanton

Question:

256 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the decisions, if any, that have been made to house refugees or asylum seekers in Ashbourne House, County Cork; the number proposed to be housed there; the cost to the State in this regard; if he has satisfied himself that the sewerage system and water supply is adequate; if he will give a breakdown under the categories of age and case of those proposed to be housed there; the length of time it is proposed to house these people there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17626/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

The Ashbourne House Hotel, Glounthaune, County Cork, was deemed to be suitable for accommodating 90 asylum seekers following an assessment of the premises by staff of the directorate for asylum support services. The directorate was established in November 1999 under the aegis of my Department and is responsible, inter alia, for meeting the accommodation needs of asylum seekers or applicants for refugee status. The directorate has been accommodating asylum seekers under these new arrangements since 10 April last.

I am informed that an environmental health officer from Cork County Council inspected the premises on 16 June and was satisfied that the sewerage system presented no evidence of any public health nuisance. The water supply is attached to the mains system and was considered adequate. The hotel had been operating on a commercial basis up to May 2000.

It is envisaged that asylum seekers will be accommodated at the Ashbourne House Hotel for six months approximately while their applications for asylum are being processed. There are two rates payable to owners of hotels and guesthouses for full board accommodation for asylum seekers – £157.50 including VAT per adult per week or £189.00 including VAT per adult per week. The rate applicable depends on the overall standard of the accommodation and facilities provided.

As it is impossible to anticipate in advance the nationalities, age, etc. of those asylum seekers entering the country and requiring housing, it is not possible to give an exact profile of the category of asylum seekers to be housed at the Ashbourne House Hotel. However, it is intended that the Ashbourne House Hotel will be used in the main as a family accommodation centre due to the type of accommodation and the facilities available at the premises. It is anticipated that asylum seekers will be relocated there in the coming weeks.