Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 June 2019
266. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the safety measures in place to protect former residents of direct provision centres who have gained employment but whose employment has since expired (details supplied). [26382/19]
View answerThe Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) provide material reception conditions (accommodation and related services) to people in the international protection process that do not have sufficient means to do so. This is done in line with the European (Reception Conditions) Regulations 2018.
Although RIA is currently experiencing significant increased demand for services, the State offers accommodation to all of those who have arrived in Ireland to seek protection while in the protection process. This also includes people who may have left accommodation or have never previously sought assistance with accommodation as they may have originally decided to stay with family or friends in the community. There is no obligation on anyone to accept the offer of accommodation and there is no restriction on the freedom of movement of applicants throughout the State.
People in the international protection process can choose to re-enter RIA accommodation by contacting RIA directly on their dedicated phone line (01-4183200) or email address (ria_inbox@justice.ie). While they will be accommodated, there is no guarantee that they will return to the accommodation that they originally resided in due to the lack of capacity within centres.
This lack of capacity is due to an increase in the number of people applying for protection in recent years and the large number of people with an international protection status or a permission to remain who continue to live in RIA accommodation.
