Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
677. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of refugees and asylum seekers that are currently resident in Balseskin direct provision centre; the number of years that the longest resident has been there; the expected closure date for this centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14508/22]
View answerThank you for your question, Deputy.
I can confirm that as of 14 March there are 453 people under international protection at Balseskin National Reception centre (NRC). I can also say that the resident who has been accommodated at the NRC the longest has been there a total of 7 years and 9 months.
In most circumstances residents stay for around 6-8 weeks but in some cases, where individuals have more complex needs, this may lead to a longer term stay.
The Deputy will be aware that my officials are working to implement the White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service which envisages the implementation of a new model of accommodation and related support for applicants for international protection. The timeframe for establishment of the new system is December 2024. Balseskin continues to play a key role in the interim period as the national reception centre.
