Jim Higgins
Question:358 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is in negotiations with a property developer and owner in County Mayo for the accommodation of asylum seekers (details supplied). [18530/01]
Written Answers. - Asylum Seekers' Accommodation.
The Reception and Integration Agency, into which the Directorate for Asylum Support Services was subsumed with effect from 1 April 2001, is responsible, inter alia, for meeting the accommodation needs of asylum seekers.
Negotiations in respect of securing contracts for service in respect of a number of properties throughout the State to meet the accommodation needs of newly arrived asylum seekers are in progress. In line with normal practice, details of such properties are not released until the arrangements for them have been agreed and relevant formalities concluded.