Gerry Adams
Question:649. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons living in direct provision centres who have been granted permission to remain here. [38331/17]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2017
Questions (649)
Written answers
There are currently just over 350 persons with some form of permission to remain in the State residing in State provided accommodation. This figure represents just over 7% of the total number of persons residing in State provided accommodation.
The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA), which administers the system of accommodation for protection applicants, has always provided such persons with continued accommodation while they source their own accommodation. RIA is particularly mindful of the reality of the housing situation in the State and the pressures on the Community Welfare Service in respect of Rent Supplement or the City and County Councils in respect of Housing Assistance Payments and Housing Lists. That said, the provision of housing for persons coming out of the protection process has been incorporated in the Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness.
Following on from the McMahon report, my Department 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), Citizens Information 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.
In addition, following a call for proposals under the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund, a number of charities and NGOs were awarded funding for projects with the specific aim of providing assistance to those transiting from state provided accommodation to permanent homes in the community. I am confident that the services provided with this funding will prove of great assistance and benefit to all concerned.