Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 26 Mar 2002

Vol. 551 No. 2

Written Answers. - Asylum Applications.

John Perry

Ceist:

420 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if accommodation has been made available in County Sligo to accommodate asylum seekers and refugees; the number of refugees that will be accommodated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9926/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue): The Reception and Integration Agency is responsible,inter alia, for meeting the accommodation needs of asylum seekers under the system of dispersal and direct provision which was introduced in April, 2000.

In order to meet the accommodation needs of asylum seekers, the RIA assesses the potential of accommodation offers throughout the State on an ongoing basis. The RIA is currently providing full board accommodation for close on 5,000 asylum seekers in 81 centres which are situated in 24 of the 26 counties. Currently the RIA has two centres in County Sligo which accommodate 20 persons on a full board basis under the system of direct provision.