Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2006
454 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the closure of the Ocean View hostel in Tramore, County Waterford; the arrangements which are being made to provide alternative accommodation for the residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8881/06]
View answerThe reception and integration agency, RIA, is in the process of closing accommodation centres nationwide due to excess capacity arising from the sharp decline in the numbers requiring accommodation. This decline is primarily as a result of an outflow of asylum seekers granted leave to remain under the Irish-born child scheme. The agency is also in the process of reclassifying centres to take account of the change over time in the profile of asylum seekers, for example, more single persons as opposed to families. Both the closures and reclassification of accommodation centres are essential if the agency is to make effective use of its accommodation portfolio and obtain value for money.
The ongoing process has already led to the closure in 2005 of 15 accommodation centres with a combined capacity of 833 beds. More extensive closures are planned in 2006 with the bulk of these to take place before the end of July 2006. However, if the number of asylum seekers continued to decline, further closures might be required beyond July 2006.
In the case of this centre the contract is due to expire on 25 May 2006. The contractor is to be notified no later than 25 March 2006 of RIA's intentions in relation to either closure or a possible new contract. If it is decided not to renew the contract all existing residents at the centre will be offered suitable alternative accommodation within the RIA accommodation portfolio before the expiry date of the contract.
