Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 March 2014
147. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied that basic human rights are being observed in all centres for asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12274/14]
View answerThe 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. At the end of 2013, RIA was accommodating 4,360 persons, a decrease of 481 residents (10%) over 2012. This was the 5th straight decline in a row. There has been an overall decline of 37% (2,642 persons) in the period end December 2008 to end December 2013 in the numbers being accommodated by RIA.
In order to meet its international obligations in the area of asylum, the Government has allocated significant resources over the years to our asylum determination structures, to reception arrangements and to the provision of services to asylum seekers. Ireland is not unique in this respect. I have outlined in previous responses to Dáil questions the origin and purpose of the direct provision system, by which the State discharges its obligations to provide for the basic requirements of asylum seekers. The system allows the State to ensure that a suitable standard of accommodation, food and ancillary services are provided to asylum seekers resident in the State. The system is based on the principle of mainstream service provision so that residents receive the health and education services as Irish citizens. Dispersal ensures that the pressure on health, welfare, education and other services is evenly distributed to allow an efficient management of resources in those areas.The policy of direct provision and dispersal is one of the central features of the State's asylum system and the need for the system remains.
I am satisfied that the human rights of asylum seekers are respected in the direct provision system. Asylum seekers receive nourishment on a par with, and in some cases superior to, that available to the general population. Asylum seekers receive a health service, including mental health services, on the same basis as Irish citizens and it is, in many cases, far superior to what is available in their countries of origin. Children of asylum seekers are provided with primary and secondary education in the local community on the same basis as the children of Irish citizens.
Over the years, the system has been open to scrutiny by many international bodies. Within the RIA system, there are policies and procedures to ensure that the rights of residents are respected and protected.
The House Rules set out the rights and obligations on residents and management and how each could engage in a complaints mechanism in the event that the other failed in their obligations. Generally, the thrust of the Rules is that problems are resolved quickly and ‘on the spot’ rather than resorting to written complaints. Residents can put their complaints in writing and, if unresolved, can be referred upwards to RIA. In certain cases, a first instance complaint can be made directly to RIA. RIA holds a minimum of three ‘one to one’ clinics every year in centres where residents can discuss issues directly with RIA staff without management being present. RIA has a Code of Practise for persons working in asylum accommodation centres.
RIA has an inspections process, involving three unannounced inspections of centres each year - two by internal RIA staff and one by an external inspection company. Inspections which have taken place from 1 October, 2013, are now being published on RIA's website - www.ria.gov.ie. RIA has a comprehensive Child Protection Policy. An updated, more 'user friendly' policy is being finalised and will be implemented later this year.
In the next few weeks it is expected that a Sexual harassment and Domestic Violence policy will be agreed between RIA and NGO’s such as AkidWa and Ruhama and the UNHCR. This policy will then be implemented and will involve a training programme for staff and residents.
Finally, NGO groups as well as many State service providers engage on a daily basis with residents in the direct provision system, all of whom would seek to ensure that residents' basic human rights continue to be respected.
