579. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will end the punitive direct provision and dispersal system which has children marginalised, stigmatised and living on €19.10 per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33355/14]
View answer589. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to review the direct provision system (details supplied). [33507/14]
View answer624. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the Irish immigrant support centre's proposals on direct provision. [33757/14]
View answer637. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken to improve conditions and waiting times for those seeking a decision from immigration services while in direct provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33902/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 579, 589, 624 and 637 together.
The 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. Direct provision provides for full board accommodation supports while a final decision is awaited by a person on their protection or any related leave to remain application. Currently, 4,311 persons are residing in 34 asylum accommodation centres under contract to RIA.
These questions broadly concern a review of the Direct Provision system and the waiting times for those asylum seekers seeking a decision on their immigration status. Both issues will be dealt with in the context of the commitments given in the statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016. The first commitment is to "...establish an independent Working Group to report to Government on improvements with the protection process, including Direct Provision and supports for asylum seekers". My intention is to proceed with the establishment of that Working Group in the near future whose mandate will include reporting back to Government on improvements in relation to direct provision. I am, in advance of the Working Group, holding a Round Table on 19 September to provide non-governmental organisations active in the field of asylum the opportunity to outline the key issues for them in relation to the State's current arrangements for asylum seekers. I also intend to use the outcome of that meeting to inform the terms of the Working Group.
