Jim O'Callaghan
Question:880. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the steps she has taken to resolve the issues which gave rise to hunger strikes at a direct provision centre (details supplied). [21234/20]
View answerTuesday, 8 September 2020
Questions (880, 950)
Brendan Griffin
Question:950. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice her plans for a direct provision centre (details supplied) following the transfer of the final resident later in 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22112/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 880 and 950 together.
On 18 March 2020, in response to the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, my Department entered into a 12 month contract to use the former Skellig Star Hotel in Cahersiveen as a temporary accommodation centre for international protection applicants.
On 30 July 2020, I announced that the residents would be transferred to permanent accommodation centres, in line with my Department's policy to withdraw from emergency accommodation as quickly as possible, and that this process would be completed as soon as possible and by no later than the end of the year.
The final transfer from the Skellig Star was completed last week and there are no remaining residents onsite. My Department has no plans to utilise the premises going forward.