Emergency Accommodation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2023

Tuesday, 9 May 2023

Questions (550)

Robert Troy

Question:

550. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will urgently review transport services for the residents of a centre (details supplied); if he will ensure that a full assessment of the residents' transport needs are carried out as part of this review; if he is aware that there are currently just two buses per day which the residents can avail of and neither of these travel at suitable times for employment. [21620/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

There are currently 105 International Protection Applicant's (IPAs) residing in Temple Spa Accommodation Centre, Horsleap, Co Westmeath.

Following consultation with the centre management they have advised the following: Per our contract we provide daily transport to our nearest town (Moate) to access the shop, school, doctor and post office – we provide 2 buses per day which was requested by residents to facilitate college courses in Moate Business College and meeting regional bus times which leave Moate.

There are no GP appointments/hospital appointments before 9am.

In an exceptional circumstance the DEASP will provide a taxi for those who do not have status.

The bus to Athlone every Saturday is an additional bus service which the centre provides outside of our contract – less than 10 residents travel to Athlone every Saturday."

My officials have advised that a review of transport in Temple Accommodation Centre will take place over the coming weeks.