Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 2

Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.

Ivor Callely

Question:

131 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the feedback from the inspectorate unit of the Reception and Integration Agency regarding the integration and accommodation available to asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6139/02]

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

All accommodation providers and companies managing state owned properties are required under contract, generically approved by the Office of the Attorney General, to ensure that all accommodation centres comply and operate in accordance with all statutory requirements of local authorities and state agencies in relation to bedroom capacity, food, food hygiene, water supply, fire safety and general safety.

Since the system of dispersal and direct provision was introduced in April 2000, several comprehensive full day inspections have been carried out by the inspection unit of the Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, on each property in operation and unannounced short duration visits are also carried out on an ongoing basis. In addition, the agency operates a programme of clinics in centres whereby asylum seekers can make known issues of concern. In general, the inspections have found that the vast majority of centres are operating to a satisfactory standard.

Where a diminution in standards comes to light as a result of inspections, these are brought to the immediate attention of the centre manager in question for urgent remedial action. Any diminution in standards is treated very seriously by the RIA and could, in cases where they are not remedied, result in the termination of contracts.

In recent months the agency has engaged the services of an independent assessor who has carried out inspections on a number of centres on a pilot basis and a further pilot is scheduled to begin shortly. On completion of these pilots, the RIA will consider what further steps are required to enhance its inspection programme.

The RIA and its predecessor, the Directorate for Asylum Support Services, has played a major role in promoting the integration of asylum seekers. In this regard, the agency facilitated the successful hosting of the Community Games in Mosney over three weekends last year which provided an opportunity for the asylum seeker children resident there to interact with their Irish peers. The 2002 Community Games will also take place at Mosney and the RIA is working in close co-operation with the organisers to ensure their success. In addition, the RIA is working with the organisers of the Special Olympics World Games which are scheduled to place in Ireland in 2003 with a view to identifying ways in which it can support the holding of the games.

Over the past two years the RIA and its predecessor, the Directorate for Asylum Support Services, has facilitated the development of an extensive network of support groups around the country. These are involved in a range of activities to assist asylum seekers settle into local communities.

It should also be noted that the children of asylum seekers are entitled to access primary and post-primary education on the same basis as Irish children. Education is a hugely important factor in integration and the RIA co-ordinates the placement of asylum seeker children in local schools. Adult asylum seekers have access, free of charge, to English language and literacy classes. These are offered by the vocational education committees under the adult literacy and community education scheme.

Ivor Callely

Question:

132 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the feedback from the Garda National Immigration Bureau on evidence to suggest that some adult female asylum applicants are motivated to come here by the anticipation of benefits which might accrue for themselves, their partner and their child as a result of that child being born here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6140/02]

Ivor Callely

Question:

134 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications for permission to remain here as a parent of an Irish born child since 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6142/02]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 134 together.

Members of the Garda Síochána in their capacity as immigration officers at ports of entry to the State are required under the provisions of the Refugee Act, 1996, to receive applications for asylum and to permit applicants to remain in the State while their applications are being processed. Garda immigration officers are not in a position to determine whether or not asylum claims are well-founded or to ascertain what the motivation of persons who request asylum here might be.

The number of applications received by my Department for permission to remain on the basis of parentage of an Irish citizen child during 2001 was 6,570, of which 5,924 were in respect of current or former asylum applicants. Prior to 2001, statistics were only maintained on applications granted, not on applications received. The total number of persons granted permission to remain in the State on the basis of their parentage of an Irish citizen was 1,515 in 2000 and 1,428 in 1999. No applications of this type were granted in 1998 as the basis for granting such permission was under review at that time. Figures are not available for the number of persons granted permission to remain on this basis in 1997 and 1996 other than for current or former asylum seekers. In 1997 and 1996, 107 and 142 current or former asylum applicants were granted permission to remain on the basis of their parentage of an Irish citizen. Statistics are not available for either 1994 or 1995.

Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 27.

Question No. 134 answered with Question No. 132.

Question No. 135 answered with Question No. 62.

Question No. 136 answered with Question No. 10.