Vol. 534 No. 5
170 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has satisfied himself with the level and quality of accommodation which is being provided for asylum seekers; the inspection procedures which are carried out on such accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11114/01]
The Directorate for Asylum Support Services, now the Reception and Integration Agency was established under the aegis of my Department to provide, inter alia, accommodation for asylum seekers at locations throughout the country.
Each property in the private sector used by the RIA for providing accommodation for asylum seekers is inspected by officials from the agency prior to its use to ensure that it can provide accommodation to the standard required. In addition, proprietors of such properties are required to comply with statutory requirements, including those relating to fire safety. In the case of properties found suitable, a detailed memorandum of agreement is signed between the agency and the proprietor setting out, inter alia, the standards required for the provision of accommodation to asylum seekers.
In the case of State owned properties, management companies are engaged by the agency to operate them. Memoranda of agreement are also signed between the agency and such companies setting out the terms for their operation.
The inspectorate unit within the RIA conducts regular inspections of each location where asylum seekers are accommodated. Any irregularities which come to light as a result of such inspections are followed up with proprietors or management companies as appropriate.
