The reception and integration agency is responsible, inter alia, for meeting the accommodation needs of asylum seekers under the system of direct provision which was introduced in April 2000. Under this system the agency provides full board accommodation to asylum seekers in a number of settings including hostels, guesthouses and former hotels while their claims for refugee status are being determined. The agency is not involved in the letting of houses to asylum seekers or refugees. Under the terms of the memoranda of agreement between the agency and proprietors of such accommodation, proprietors are required to extend their public liability all-risks cover to the entire centre. In addition, they are required to provide a copy of the agreement to their insurers and to furnish evidence that such cover has been procured.