Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
626. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he plans to establish the new international protection support service to deal with applicants for international protection; the staff complement that will be seconded to this new organisation; the structure and budget of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13398/21]
View answer627. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has requested an association (details supplied) to develop the national settlement pattern as per the contents of the White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13403/21]
View answer653. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will identify the resettlement workers referred to in the White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service who will oversee and link applicants for international protection with supports and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13396/21]
View answer656. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the relevant Departments, agencies and NGOs that will constitute the programme board to oversee the governance and implementation of the new regime to replace the direct provision model for applicants for international protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13425/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 626, 627, 653 and 656 together.
As the Deputy will be aware I have now published the White Paper on ending the 'Direct Provision' system of accommodation and support services. The White Paper sets out a new Government policy to establish a new International Protection Support Service.
The transition to the new system will be led by my Department and progress will be monitored by a Programme Board whose membership will include Government Departments, Agencies, Local Authorities, NGOs and former International Protection applicants. I will shortly begin the process of establishing the Programme Board and will announce the Board once the members have been appointed.
I am also establishing the expert Transition Team who will be tasked with developing a detailed Implementation Plan which will set out the process and timelines for establishing the new model.
