The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA), an operational unit of the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department, is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision. There are currently 4,364 persons seeking international protection residing in 34 Direct Provision accommodation centres across 16 counties under contract to RIA. Of these residents, approximately a third are children under the age of 18.
I should firstly commend to the Deputy RIA's 2012 Annual Report available on its website - www.ria.gov.ie - which includes greater detail than before on family make up in centres as well as additional information on facilities for children in each of the centres involved.
The Direct Provision system is unique and there is no direct comparison with other types of accommodation where children would reside, be they houses with gardens or apartment buildings. Some accommodation centres have more outdoor and indoor facilities than others. However, any suggestions that children in these centres do not have opportunities for meaningful recreation activities are wide of the mark. Further details are available in the Report mentioned above. Of the current 34 asylum centres in RIA's portfolio, only 3 were specifically built for the sole purpose of accommodating asylum seekers, that is, they were 'purpose-built'. All other centres must operate within the physical limitations of the premises' original use e.g. hotel, college dormitory, hostel, etc. While all conform, at the very least, to minimum contractual and legislative standards, there are necessarily a range of facilities available in centres in the overall RIA portfolio, deriving from their original use.
RIA and centre management work with local schools, community groups, sports clubs and NGO's to link children and families into community initiatives, sports and other activities to ensure access to the best available package of services. Children of asylum seekers can access recreational facilities available in the locality in which they are living. Some Direct Provision Centres have on-site playgrounds. Many centres will also facilitate NGO’s who organise outings etc. Centres also have links with local community facilities which allow for free and discounted access to amenities outside of the accommodation centre.
It is worth noting that asylum seeker children benefit from access to primary and secondary education on the same basis as Irish citizen children in the local community, and both schools and the Community Welfare Service are very supportive of those children in assisting with any associated costs in respect of equipment and transport. An exemption from fees for State Examinations is also available to asylum seekers who are holders of medical cards. Homework clubs and quiet spaces are provided in family centres to facilitate children doing their homework.
On-site pre-school services are available in some of the larger direct provision centres. However, in all cases parents may opt to send their children to privately run pre-schools in the community. The Early Child Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme provides for free pre-school placements to all children, including children of asylum seekers in direct provision accommodation.
