Vol. 513 No. 6
379 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the introduction of voucher schemes for asylum seekers would not be discriminatory having regard to the principles of equal treatment which are enshrined in the Constitution; the reason it is necessary to introduce this scheme; and the alternative approaches, if any, he has considered to deal with the difficulties identified. [3000/00]
A system of direct provision will for the most part represent a cashless system with the State assuming responsibility for funding suitable accommodation, for providing health and education services and other essential needs. Genuine asylum seekers who are actually fleeing persecution, will, I believe, welcome this service and are unlikely to view it as a diminution in the quality of the services provided by the State, given that one of its purposes is to prevent fraud, and as a result lead to a more speedy identification of those who are in need of the State's protection.
The introduction of direct provision in this State will simply bring us into line with other member states. It is widely accepted that a harmonised approach to asylum matters is by far the best approach and in introducing this system I am satisfied that it will represent a fair and effective means of meeting the basic needs of our asylum population. In addition the decision of the UK to move to a system of direct provision on 1 April 2000 must be taken into account. Given that we maintain a common travel area with the UK which is of enormous value and relevance to the island of Ireland and Irish people generally, a decision of this character by the UK has to be taken into consideration very seriously by any Irish Government.
The Government decided on 9 November 1999 to establish a central directorate to deal with matters relating to the dispersal of asylum seekers throughout the country and preparations of plans for a system of direct provision of housing, health needs, etc. The directorate is currently examining various options that might be available to meet asylum seekers needs by a method other than full cash payments. These include the introduction of smart cards which could be credited on a specific date and used in outlets which have smart card readers; the introduction of vouchers which could be redeemed in specific outlets for goods and services or the provision of full board accommodation which would enable accommodation and dietary needs to be met directly in the same facility.
