Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
1080. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the latest report from the Expert Advisory Group to monitor the implementation of the White Paper to End Direct Provision has been published yet; if not, when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36881/23]
View answerIn February 2021 A White Paper to End Direct Provision and establish a new International Protection Service was published. The paper set out a new approach for accommodating applicants that seek International Protection in Ireland and contains three core themes – accommodation, integration and supports.
Since the lifting of the Covid-19 restrictions, more than 15,000 people have come to Ireland seeking International Protection. At the same time, more than 84,000 people have fled from Ukraine, the vast majority of whom have required accommodation from the State.
In this context, there is a recognition that the underlying assumptions on which the White Paper was based needs to be re-examined, as the assumptions underpinning it are based on 3500 new arrivals each year. A review of the timelines and deliverables was initiated. As part of the review process both the Programme Board and the External Advisory Group (EAG) established to oversee implementation of the White paper, have provided papers to the department setting out recommendations and proposals for a revised pathway for delivery of the White Paper with the most recent report coming from the External Advisory Group earlier this month.
It is anticipated the review will be completed shortly and a new set of proposals and timelines, which will take account of both the Programme Board and EAG reports, will be brought to Government towards the end of quarter three. A revised implementation plan will be published once a revised pathway for the White Paper has been agreed.
