Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 May 2016
38. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to deliver comprehensive reform of the direct provision system; the steps she is taking to ensure that persons are not in the system for extended periods of time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12295/16]
View answerAs per the Programme for Government long durations in direct provision are acknowledged to have a negative impact on family life. The Government is therefore committed to reforming the Direct Provision system, with particular focus on families and children. The report of the Working Group to Government on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers, otherwise known as the McMahon Report, has set out a blueprint for a number of reforms in this area including a number which focus on the Direct Provision system itself.
The McMahon Report indicated a two-way approach towards improving the life of persons within the protection process by (i) improving the application process and thereby reducing the length of time spent by applicants in State provided accommodation and (ii) improving the quality of life of those in accommodation through improvements of services within the accommodation system itself but also the supports available through other agencies and bodies. That Report documented some 173 recommendations covering a broad spectrum of services and supports, including those relating to direct provision accommodation. To date, many of these recommendations have been implemented including an increase to the direct provision allowance for children, improvements in child protection supports and linkages with Tusla, and access to third level education for children five years in the direct provision system.
Major improvements are anticipated in the length of time that applicants spend in RIA accommodation once the International Protection Act 2015 has been commenced. Also, the efforts made to address the situation of those who have been in the system for more than five years, another key recommendation in the Report, is already impacting positively on the numbers of persons in accommodation centres. The Citizens Information Board, supported by a range of other State agencies, has provided information sessions within RIA centres to former asylum seekers who have permission to stay in the State and who are now moving out of the Direct Provision system.
The Reception and Integration Agency is currently working to implement remaining recommendations. While the Reception and Integration Agency continues to explore ways in which accommodation services can be improved, a number of the more relevant recommendations in this area are complex. This includes access to cooking facilities and additional living space for families.
