666. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures, requirements and deadlines for those interested in making a submission to the recently announced direct provision working group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34456/14]
View answer667. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the criteria for selection and when members of the direct provision working group will be selected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34457/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 666 and 667 together.
The Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 provides for the establishment of an independent Working Group to report to Government on improvements with the protection process, including direct provision, and supports for asylum seekers. I plan to establish this group in the near future.
In advance of establishing the group I am convening a roundtable consultation with non-governmental organisations active in the area to enable them to outline the key issues for them in relation to the State's current arrangements for asylum seekers. The output of this consultation will inform in more detail the terms of reference of the working group. The membership of the working group will be considered further following the roundtable consultation.
It will be a matter for the working group when it is established to decide how it will progress its work.
