Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
654. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of direct provision centres that already offer own door or own room accommodation in their facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13399/21]
View answerAs 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 which I envision will be fully operational by December 2024.
Currently there are 31 centres that can offer independent living with 12 of these centres providing own door accommodation.
As we transition to the new system, in order to meet our legal obligations to provide accommodation and other support services for protection applicants, existing accommodation centres will continue to operate in the short to medium term. However, in doing so the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department will focus on the provision of own-door accommodation and facilities to allow for independent living (access to cooking and laundry facilities and communal family areas outside bedrooms).
