Vol. 566 No. 1
632 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has considered withdrawing from the legal action relevant to some of the properties purchased to accommodate asylum seekers and disposing of each property now surplus to his Department's requirements; if he will consult immediately with the Office of Public Works and issue a statement regarding his intentions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11704/03]
Two properties Lynch's Lodge Hotel, Macroom, County Cork and Broc House, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, purchased in 2000 by the Office of Public Works at the request of the reception and integration agency of my Department remain unoccupied pending the outcome of judicial review proceedings on planning matters relating to the properties. In addition, as the Deputy is aware, the development of a site for the construction of a system-built accommodation centre at Leggettsrath, Kilkenny, has also been halted pending the outcome of judicial review proceedings on planning matters relating to the site.
In the circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on these properties where their proposed use is the subject of High Court litigation. I can say, however, more generally, that there is an ongoing requirement to provide accommodation under the system of direct provision for up to 900 newly arriving asylum seekers every month in addition to those already being accommodated under that system. Procuring accommodation for this purpose continues to be a very significant challenge in circumstances where the range of suitable options available and offered is extremely limited.
