Vol. 518 No. 6
482 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his decisions in relation to the use, number and locations of flotels to accommodate those seeking asylum and awaiting the processing of their applications; the estimated number of people who might be accommodated in this way; and the average duration of stay which would be anticipated. [12693/00]
In the light of urgent accommodation requirements for asylum seekers and pending the construction of permanent accommodation, the Government, on 28 March 2000, approved my proposals for a mix of temporary accommodation to meet current projections in relation to the number of places required. Specifically, the Government has approved the provision of 4,000 places in prefabricated accommodation, 1,000 places in mobile homes and 1,000 places in flotels.
In addition, the Directorate for Asylum Support Services, in consultation with the appropriate authorities, is continuing to examine the suitability of accommodation offered by proprietors of hotels, hostels, guesthouses and other privately owned properties throughout the country in response to media advertisements placed last autumn. It is anticipated that approximately 2,000 places can be made available in this way.
Intensive efforts are being made to source suitable berthages for flotels. No decisions have yet been taken regarding locations.
In line with the Government's targets in relation to processing times for asylum applications, the intended duration of stay in flotels would be six months.
