Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:451. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of emergency reception and orientation centres here. [35673/18]
View answerFriday, 7 September 2018
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Before arrival in Ireland, programme refugees and asylum seekers are interviewed abroad by Department officials to assess their needs and vulnerabilities and to initially orient them to Irish life and society. Following their arrival in Ireland, and during their initial period of reception, they are accommodated in an Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre (EROC). As the name suggests, an EROC is largely about reception and orientation for those who are to be subsequently settled around the country. In the EROCs both cohorts receive broadly the same integration services with due account being taken of the fact that certain things may not be able to happen until individuals receive a decision on their application for a grant of international protection. IRPP staff hold regular clinics in the EROCs, often at weekly intervals, at which individuals and families may discuss their needs and requirements. The client group also receive an orientation and language training programme while in the EROC.
Following the conclusion of a recent public procurement competition, Mosney, Co. Meath and Clonea Strand, Co. Waterford will be awarded contracts for the provision of EROC services. These contracts will be for an initial 2 year period.
In addition, the Abbeyfield Hotel in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon is contracted to the Department to provide an EROC until December 2019.