Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:1292. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will reverse his decision to close Lisbrook direct provision centre for refugees in Galway city. [39260/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 18 September 2012
Ceisteanna (1292)
Freagraí scríofa
The Reception and Integration Agency of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. Lisbrook direct provision accommodation centre in Galway is part of RIA's portfolio of direct provision accommodation.
RIA made a decision to close the Lisbrook accommodation centre on the expiry of its 18 month contract with its operator. This was done principally for two reasons; to enable RIA to remain on budget this year and subsequent years and a reflection of the fact that the demand for RIA services has fallen sharply. At the end of 2010, RIA was accommodating 6,107 persons. At 9 September, 2012 this figure had reduced to 4,996 persons, a decline of 1,111 persons or 18%. This year alone there has been a drop of 8% in the number of persons in direct provision accommodation. The decline in 2012 is part of a continuing trend and it should be noted that, in the period 2009 to date, RIA has reduced its accommodation portfolio from 60 centres to 36. In relation to budgetary issues, RIA like all Department of Justice and Equality bodies must operate in a significantly lower financial envelope and cannot countenance an overspend or the continuation of contracts which may no longer be required. In this context it should be noted that the actual budget of RIA declined by €28 million in the period 2008 to 2012.
In the light of representations received primarily expressing concern about the dislocation of school-going children, I have asked for a review of the background circumstance of the decision to close the centre. Therefore, arrangements for the transfer of residents from Lisbrook accommodation centre have been suspended, pending further consideration of a number of issues, including the impact on school children of such a closure, as well as the broader financial restrictions within which RIA must operate, as well as the need for it to manage its diminishing budget efficiently in the current critical economic situation.
As part of any planned accommodation centre closure, RIA does work to retain as many families as possible in the same catchment area for schools, and for those residents who are linked to critical medical services locally. This practice was underway at Lisbrook as part of any planned closure. The review exercise now being undertaken on the non-renewal of the contract is aimed at striking a balance between budget realities and the reasonable need of individuals, families and children, in particular at the start of the school year.