Vol. 528 No. 3
234 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the widespread disappointment among organisers of the Community Games regarding the non-availability of Mosney Holiday Centre for community games in the future; his views of whether this is an appropriate venue for asylum seekers; and if he will reconsider this decision. [30310/00]
The Directorate for Asylum Support Services which is responsible, inter alia, for meeting the accommodation needs of asylum seekers has entered into an agreement with the proprietor of Mosney holiday centre for the provision of accommodation and ancillary services for asylum seekers on part of the holiday centre.
The making available of any of the balance of the facilities at Mosney holiday centre to ESB community games is a matter in the first instance for the proprietor of the centre. At no stage did I or the Directorate for Asylum Support Services indicate that the centre would not be available to the community games organisation. In fact, I have indicated to the officials of the community games organisation that I would support and facilitate them as much as possible in the holding of the games at the centre.
I should also add for the information of the Deputy that given the overall severe shortage of accommodation, the acquisition of facilities to accommodate asylum seekers, who continue to arrive here at a rate of approximately 1,000 per month presents a great challenge to the directorate. In those circumstances, it would have been most unwise of it to spurn the offer of accommodation at the centre which to all intents and purposes was ready for immediate occupation. If, of course, the Deputy has any alternative suggestions as to how asylum seekers might be accommodated, I would be glad to hear them.
