The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. Not all asylum seekers stay in RIA accommodation: some choose to stay with friends or relatives or live on their own resources.
Extensive statistical information on the Direct Provision system is available on the RIA website - www.ria.gov.ie. The December 2013 monthly report has just been published on the site as are its Annual Reports covering the years from 2007 to 2012 inclusive. A variety of additional information is also provided including overall details on the length of time persons have been residing in the direct provision system. The 2013 Annual Report is currently being compiled and will be published before the end of March, 2014.
The details sought by the Deputy are considerable and would require a significant level of staff resources to compile. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department will examine this data request in detail and endeavour to provide as much data as is readily available and can be compiled without a disproportionate effect on the day to day work of INIS. I will correspond directly with the Deputy on this matter at a later date.
