Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 September 2014
138. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the changes made to date regarding direct provision for asylum seekers; her plans for the duration of this Government to reform the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35022/14]
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. 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.
The Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 includes a commitment 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 today, 18 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 and such issues may include that raised in this question. I also intend to use the outcome of that meeting to inform the terms of the Working Group.
