Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014
84. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of asylum seekers and others in direct provision; the number in direct provision for more than two years; her policy regarding this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26573/14]
View answerThe Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of protection applicants in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. As at 8 June 2014 there were 4,353 persons availing of direct provision accommodation in 34 accommodation centres across 16 counties. 1,109 (25%) made their initial asylum application up to 2 years ago while the remaining 3,244 (75%) made their initial application more than 2 years ago.
I acknowledge that the length of time that residents spend in Direct Provision is an issue to be addressed. The Direct Provision system is not ideal but it is a system which facilitates the State in providing a roof over the heads of those seeking asylum or seeking to be allowed, on humanitarian grounds, to stay in the State. The Direct Provision system is inextricably linked to the surrounding international protection process. By its very nature, the processing of applications for international protection is a solemn and complex task which does not always lend itself to achieving speedy outcomes. The time needed to determine the outcome of any legal proceedings also impacts on the length of the process.
A key priority for this Government is legislative reform aimed at establishing a single application procedure for the investigation of all grounds for protection and any other grounds presented by applicants seeking to remain in the State. Such reform would substantially simplify and streamline the existing arrangements and would provide applicants with a final decision on their application in a more timely fashion. In consultation with my officials, I am reviewing the work done to date in respect of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill and will then decide on how best to progress the implementation of the Government's priorities, in particular to expedite those relating to the establishment of a single application procedure.
