Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 May 2000

Vol. 518 No. 6

Written Answers. - Asylum Support Services.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

493 Mr. J. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the number of refugees intended to be accommodated in a community (details supplied) in County Carlow; if he will introduce a system of allocating a small number of refugees relative to the population of the local community concerned; if he will base this policy on the successful model currently operating in Kilkenny city; and his intentions for the purchase of a property in the area concerned. [12892/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

No definitive decisions have been taken concerning the number of asylum seekers to be accommodated at the property in County Carlow referred to by the Deputy. The Directorate for Asylum Support Services is still considering the matter, having regard to the various issues involved.

On the more general point of the system of dispersal of asylum seekers, I assure the Deputy that every effort is made by the Directorate for Asylum Support Services to ensure that the placement of asylum seekers does not cause an undue burden on small communities. However, the severe shortage of accommodation in all areas of the State, allied to the continuing increase in asylum applications, is giving rise to enormous difficulties in meeting the basic needs of asylum seekers.