Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 October 2019
154. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if correspondence regarding the proposed move of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; if the person can remain in County Monaghan in view of the person's attachment and involvement in the Carrickmacross area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40855/19]
View answerI am advised by the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS, formally the Reception and Integration Agency), that the person referred to by the Deputy was initially accommodated in one of the emergency accommodation locations under contract to my Department. Accommodation in these locations is provided on a temporary basis until an applicant can be transferred to an accommodation centre at a future date. Suitable accommodation subsequently became available in September 2019 and the individual concerned received a letter notifying them of the proposed transfer.
While I appreciate the move to a new accommodation centre may cause upheaval, my Department cannot permit a person to remain in an emergency location when a suitable vacancy has become available in an accommodation centre. The individual concerned was advised of this and moved to their new accommodation in a location that offered minimum disruption to them on 30 September.
It is important to note that there is no obligation on any applicant to accept the offer of accommodation. Applicants may source their own private accommodation or choose to stay with friends or family.
