Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Asylum Support Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2004

Wednesday, 24 March 2004

Ceisteanna (140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146)

Jack Wall

Ceist:

140 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide a breakdown of the cost to his Department for the past three years of the hire, rent and so on of a premises (details supplied) in County Kildare to house asylum seekers and refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9355/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jack Wall

Ceist:

141 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that at a premises (details supplied) in County Kildare where there are asylum seekers and refugees being housed, has major problems with the availability of food to certain persons who, due to religious beliefs, are unable to accept the food that is being provided for them and that no alternative food is being supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9356/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jack Wall

Ceist:

142 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a premises (details supplied) in County Kildare, where asylum seekers and refugees are staying have no adequate place to meet with public representatives, solicitors and so on; the plans his Department has to ensure that adequate facilities are provided for the persons concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9357/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jack Wall

Ceist:

143 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that at a premises (details supplied) in County Kildare can have as many as two adults and four children confined to one room; the plans his Department has to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9358/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jack Wall

Ceist:

144 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to a social worker and social services-medical services for refugees-asylum seekers at a premises (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9359/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jack Wall

Ceist:

145 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the lack of adequate facilities available at a premises (details supplied) in County Kildare for asylum seekers-refugees vis-à-vis a playroom for children; if his Department has plans or proposals to rectify the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9360/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jack Wall

Ceist:

146 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of refugees and asylum seekers facilitated at a premises (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9361/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 to 146, inclusive, together.

A contract for the provision of emergency accommodation and ancillary services for 100 asylum seekers under the system of direct provision was entered into by the Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, which operates under the aegis of my Department, with the contractor at the Eyre Powell Hotel, Main Street, Newbridge, County Kildare, for the period 30 April 2003 to 27 April 2004. An offer of a further contract beyond the expiry date of 27 April 2004 has been issued to the contractor and is currently under consideration.

I am informed that prior to this period the premises was engaged by the Northern Area Health Board as a facility for accommodating asylum seekers on a self-catering basis. The number of persons who may be accommodated at the premises is determined in accordance with the environmental health standards and the occupancy level of all the bedrooms is in compliance with these standards. In the case of the six person family mentioned by the Deputy I am informed that two adjoining rooms with an interconnecting door were allocated to this family and that this is in compliance with the environmental health standards. In addition to the requirement to comply with these standards, the contractor is also required to ensure that the premises complies and operates in accordance with all relevant statutory requirements of local authorities and other agencies in regard to planning, building, by-laws, food, food hygiene, water supply, sewage disposal, fire precautions and general safety.

In regard to food, the contractor is obliged to ensure that the food offered reflects the reasonable needs of the different ethnic groups accommodated at the premises. This includes food provided in accordance with religious beliefs. Persons from approximately 120 different nationalities are resident in centres operated by RIA and particular emphasis is placed on meeting their dietary needs to the greatest extent possible. In this connection, contractors are required to arrange for their chefs to meet residents to ascertain their ethnic food requirements and I am informed that such meetings have taken place in the Eyre Powell Hotel.

In regard to the statement that the premises has no adequate place to meet with public representatives, solicitors and so on, I am informed that rooms are available for this purpose. In accordance with normal practice and on the grounds of commercial sensitivity, I do not propose to comment on the detailed commercial arrangements made by the RIA in this or in any other similar case. I can confirm, however, that in this case, as in the case of similar type properties, the payment for the contracted services is currently in the range of €189 to €222.60 per person per week.

The provision of health and social services is a matter, in the first instance, for the health board. I am informed, however, that the position in regard to a social worker and social services-medical services for residents is that there is a room dedicated for use by the community welfare officer to facilitate applications for supplementary welfare allowance. A room is also made available to other visiting health professionals as required. As the premises is centrally located in Newbridge, easy access to health board services is facilitated.

In the context of the negotiations on a possible new contract for the premises, the RIA are advancing proposals to further develop facilities for resident children. It is intended to enhance the playroom facility and to provide an area for students to study. Other facilities provided at the centre consist of a mothers and toddlers group organised by the local parish and English classes for adults and children. In addition, residents can also participate in local community activities including sewing classes and computer classes, the local community sports hall, the library and free Internet access.

Barr
Roinn