Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
72. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration the timeframe for the publication of the White Paper on replacing the direct provision system; the details regarding funding set aside in budget 2021 to ensure implementation of the white paper; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31383/20]
View answerIt is my intention is to publish a White Paper, by the end of this year, which will set out a replacement structure to the Direct Provision system and the steps to achieving it.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to end the current system of Direct Provision within the lifetime of the Government and to replace it with a new international protection accommodation policy, centred on a not-for-profit approach. It is widely recognised that putting in place a new approach will take time and therefore I expect that the costs associated with doing so will be spread over more than a single Budget allocation.
However, I am pleased to have secured a total of €225 million in funding for International Protection Seekers Accommodation for the coming year. The increased funding, €145 million over what was provided in 2020, will enable my Department to begin the process of implementing the Programme for Government commitment to end the Direct Provision system and to plan for the transition to an alternative model of provision.
The White Paper will be informed by the report of the advisory group chaired by Dr Catherine Day. That group's report was presented to Government today and will be published shortly.
