Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 July 2020
184. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the terms of the lease of a direct provision centre (details supplied); if the lease will be renewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17480/20]
View answerThe premises referred to by the Deputy is currently under contract with my Department for the provision of accommodation and ancillary services for persons in the international protection process. The contract runs until 30 November 2020.
My Department does not publicly disclose rates agreed with contractors, as to do so could seriously compromise any current or future negotiations with suppliers.
Any decision to continue using the premises past the end of November will be taken closer to the expiry date and will be governed by demand for accommodation places by protection applicants and the capacity to meet that demand from within the existing accommodation portfolio.
Last year, Dr Catherine Day was asked to bring together an expert group with representation from asylum seekers and NGOs to examine best practice in other European States in the provision of services to international protection applicants, to examine likely longer term trends and to set out recommendations and solutions. Any new system for the provision of accommodation and additional supports to international protection applicants will be informed by the Report of this Expert Group. The Group is examining both the reception system for accommodating applicants and the system for processing applications, and is expected to make recommendations for changes in both areas.
A briefing paper on the work of the group, prepared by the Chairperson to inform programme for government talks, was recently circulated to members of both Houses of the Oireachtas by the previous Minister and its interim recommendations cover many of these issues. The work of the group is advancing at pace and their report is expected by the end of September. The intention as stated in the Programme for Government is to publish a White Paper by the end of this year, informed by the recommendations of the Expert Group, which will set out how a replacement to the Direct Provision system will be structured and the steps to achieving it. It will be a matter for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, to progress the matter following the transfer of this function to his Department.
