Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2017
70. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the study Transition: From Direct Provision to Life in the Community which was funded by the Irish Research Council; the measures her Department is undertaking to prepare those in direct provision for life after direct provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7831/17]
View answerThe numbers of persons with some form of status residing in State provided accommodation ranged from approximately 450 persons to approximately 600 persons during 2016. This number rises and falls as some residents are granted a form of status and others with status move into the community. Over 1,900 persons left the State provided accommodation system during 2016. However, it is important to note that not all those leaving State provided accommodation would have done so because they received a form of status. The State provided accommodation system is entirely voluntary and some of those leaving the system were exercising their right to live elsewhere.
The issues identified in the Irish Refugee Council's Report echo findings of the McMahon Working Group Report. Following on from the McMahon report, the Department of Justice and Equality developed a guide to independent living for persons with status to provide practical assistance for them. The guide is available in all centres and has been published on the RIA website (www.ria.gov.ie) in a number of different languages. This was published in parallel with information sessions coordinated by the Citizens Information Bureau in accommodation centres which gave an opportunity for such persons to seek assistance and clarification on the services provided. The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA), its centre managers, the Community Welfare Service (by way of provision of Rent Allowance), the Citizens Information Board and those City and County Councils operating the Housing Assistance Payments link with such persons in accessing the appropriate supports and services, including in respect of sourcing and securing private accommodation.
Following a recent call for proposals under the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund, a number of charities and NGOs have been awarded funding for projects with the specific aim of providing assistance to those transiting from state provided accommodation to permanent homes in the community.
Once some form of status is granted, residents cease to be ordinarily entitled to the accommodation supports provided through RIA. Notwithstanding this fact, RIA has continued to provide such persons with accommodation until they secure their own private accommodation.
