Vol. 561 No. 4
420 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the travel facilities made available to people awaiting decisions on asylum applications; and if a bus pass is made available when being summonsed to Dublin in connection with hospital appointments, applications to his Department, hearings and so on. [4412/03]
The Reception and Integration Agency of my Department is responsible for implementing the Government's dispersal and direct provision programme which meets the accommodation needs of asylum seekers.
In larger accommodation centres managed on behalf of the agency which are not immediately adjacent to centres of population – Knockalisheen, County Limerick, Kinsale Road, County Cork, Millstreet, County Cork, Balseskin, St. Margaret's, County Dublin, St. Patrick's, County Monaghan and Mosney, County Meath – there is a bus service which transports asylum seekers to and from the local town or city centre on a daily basis. Transport is not provided for those accommodated in other regional centres which are adjacent to centres of population.
When an applicant is required to attend interviews at the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, appeal hearings at the Office of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, appointments with the Refugee Legal Service, or hospital appointments in Dublin, he or she may make application to the local community welfare officer for assistance with related costs including travel.
