Vol. 522 No. 2
371 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the policy of his Department regarding informing public representatives when his Department is purchasing/ arranging accommodation for asylum seekers. [17933/00]
The Directorate for Asylum Support Services was established in November, 1999 under the aegis of my Department with responsibility, inter alia, for meeting the accommodation needs of asylum seekers. Due to the acute shortage of accommodation in Dublin, the Government decided that newly arrived asylum seekers should be dispersed throughout the country. Prior to this, most asylum seekers had been accommodated in Dublin.
In accordance with Government policy, the directorate is assessing the potential of accommodation offers in all regions throughout the State. In line with normal practice, details of particular properties are not released until such time as the arrangements in relation to them have been agreed and relevant legal formalities concluded with the proprietors.
372 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum seekers currently in Ireland; the number housed in the Dublin area; the number in other regions; the number of children who are asylum seekers; and the special services that are being provided for them. [17934/00]
My Department's records indicate that the total number of asylum applicants awaiting a final determination on their asylum applications as at 31 May 2000 is approximately 12,500, of which in the region of 80% reside in Dublin. The Directorate for Asylum Support Services, which operates under the aegis of my Department, has been responsible since 10 April last for accommodating asylum seekers, and for giving effect to the Government decision that the accommodation needs of new arrivals be met by dispersal throughout the country.
In determining the suitability of accommodation for families, account is taken of the requirement for en suite rooms, mother and children rooms, play areas, designated rooms for the provision of tailored health services on site and an overall spacious environment which meets the additional safety needs of children.
Asylum seekers are entitled to a range of services while waiting to have their applications processed. For example, subject to satisfying means tests, asylum seekers are entitled to allowances, including allowances in respect of children, under the supplementary welfare allowances scheme and medical cards. They are entitled to the same services as Irish medical card holders. The children of asylum seekers can avail of free primary and secondary education. These services are provided by a number of different Government Departments and agencies.
The processing of applications from unaccompanied minors, of which there are 121 on hand at 31 May 2000, has a number of child specific features and has regard to the UNHCR's guidelines on policies and procedures in dealing with unaccompanied children seeking asylum as well as the relevant paragraph's of the UNHCR's procedures handbook and the EU Council Resolution of Unaccompanied Minors who are Nationals of Third Countries – 26 June 1997. In this regard, departmental policy is not to interview unaccompanied minors seeking asylum unless accompanied by a guardian. The question of appointment of a guardian is a matter for the relevant health board. Interviews are carried out by personnel specifically trained for this purpose.
