Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 October 2017
88. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the progress made in rolling out self-catering and shared kitchen facilities in the Ballyhaunis, Athlone, Kinsale Road and Clonakilty Lodge centres similar to the facilities available at the Mosney direct provision centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43241/17]
View answerRecommendation 4.75 from the Working Group Report to Government on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and Supports to Asylum Seekers, chaired by Dr. Bryan MacMahon (formerly of the High Court) recommended that all families should have access to cooking facilities (whether in a self contained unit or through use of a communal kitchen) in so far as is practicable.
The Programme for Partnership Government also recognises that “Long durations in direct provision are acknowledged to have a negative impact on family life. We are therefore committed to reforming the Direct Provision system, with particular focus on families and children.”
In addressing these issues, the Government has established a process for the provision of cooking facilities and food through a points system. This has been fully implemented in Mosney, the Old Convent, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo and in Clonakilty Lodge, Clonakilty, Co. Cork. Cooking facilities are provided in each accommodation unit in Mosney and Ballyhaunis and by way of communal kitchens in Clonakilty.
Both the accommodation centres in Athlone, Co. Westmeath and Kinsale Road, Cork are owned by the State and managed on its behalf by a contractor who was appointed following a public procurement process. My Department, through the Reception and Integration Agency, is currently working towards the provision of a food hall at each location so that residents will be able to choose food items through a points system. While each accommodation unit in Athlone is already fitted with cooking facilities, a communal kitchen is available for residents in Kinsale Road.
The Government will continue with this process across all family centres until the commitment in the MacMahon report and the Programme for Partnership Government is fully met.
