Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2021
162. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress that is being made with the pledge to end direct provision; the way this will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55093/21]
View answerA staff team has been established in my Department to lead the transition to the new model and has developed a detailed implementation plan.
I have appointed a Programme Board, including independent members, to oversee the transition. . I have also recently announced the membership of the three-person External Advisory Group to monitor and report independently on the progress of the reforms.
Working with the Housing Agency, my Department has begun to acquire the accommodation needed for Phase Two - that is, after people have completed their initial four-months in a Reception and Integration Centre and move into the community.
An allocation key to determine the spread of this accommodation across all counties has been agreed by Local Authorities.
Working with the housing experts on the Programme Board, my Department is preparing advice on the optimal ownership model for the accommodation, as well as on the funding model to enable Approved Housing Bodies and other not-for-profit organisations to act as our delivery partners for the accommodation and support elements of the new system.
Policy on International Protection Support Payments is being developed in consultation with the Department of Social Protection.
My Department has also begun to develop the integration policy for the new model, based on the principle of 'integration from day one' set out in the White Paper.
It will take time to end Direct Provision and replace it with a new and very different system of accommodation and supports - grounded in human rights and delivered on a not-for-profit basis. Our work to do this has begun. We are making good progress and anticipate starting to move people out of Direct Provision into accommodation sourced in accordance with the new model early next year.
