Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2021
563. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current number of residents in a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23687/21]
View answer564. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the timeline for ending the direct provision system in operation in Balseskin, County Dublin; the steps he will take to achieve same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23688/21]
View answer565. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has concerns regarding the safety or otherwise of residents at a centre (details supplied) particularly with regard to the interaction of the residents with each other in the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23689/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 563, 564 and 565 together.
The health and wellbeing of all residents being provided accommodation and ancillary service by my Department is the highest priority for both myself and my officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS). This is particularly so at this time.
I can confirm that there are no particular concerns regarding the safety or otherwise of any resident in the National Reception Centre in Balseskin in regard to interactions with other residents currently being accommodated there.
I can inform the Deputy that as of Sunday, 9 May 2021 there were 186 persons being accommodated at the National Reception Centre in Balseskin whereas it has capacity fro 537 people..
As the Deputy will be aware, I published 'A White Paper to End Direct Provision and to establish a New International Protection Support Service' on 26 February 2021. This sets out a new approach for accommodating applicants who seek International Protection in Ireland and will replace the system of Direct Provision. The new approach is expected to be fully in place by the end of 2024.
The new approach will end congregated and institutional living and will focus on supporting integration from day one. Applicants will initially reside in one of six Reception and Integration Centres which will be state owned. Applicants will have either own-door or own-room accommodation depending on their family status and they will be assigned a case-worker and receive wrap-around supports, healthcare and education. Within a short period of time, this support will extend to include access to housing and employment in order to prepare and enable them, to live independently within the community.
After a four month period, residents will move out of our Reception and Integration Centres to accommodation within the community. This accommodation will be sourced through different strands, with the most appropriate accommodation being identified in conjunction with the individual applicant or family.
The White Paper sets out a new model which is distinctively different from the system currently in place. The model will be centred on a human rights approach with key supports geared towards ensuring integration with independence. My Department is currently working to implement the proposals contained therein.
