Tom Hayes
Question:429 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the constituency of South Tipperary in relation to asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10119/02]
Written Answers. - Asylum Support Services.
The Reception and Integration Agency is responsible, inter alia, for meeting the accommodation needs of asylum seekers under the system of dispersal and direct provision which was introduced in April 2000. In order to meet the accommodation needs of asylum seekers, the RIA assesses the potential of accommodation offers throughout the State on an ongoing basis. The RIA is currently providing full board accommodation for close on 5,000 asylum seekers in 81 centres which are situated in 24 of the 26 counties. Currently the RIA has three centres in South Tipperary which accommodate 55 persons on a full board basis under the system of direct provision. The RIA has advised me that it has no plans at present to disperse asylum seekers to any new facilities in south Tipperary.