I propose to take Questions Nos. 579, 589, 624 and 637 together.
The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of protection applicants in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. Direct provision provides for full board accommodation supports while a final decision is awaited by a person on their protection or any related leave to remain application. Currently, 4,311 persons are residing in 34 asylum accommodation centres under contract to RIA.
These questions broadly concern a review of the Direct Provision system and the waiting times for those asylum seekers seeking a decision on their immigration status. Both issues will be dealt with in the context of the commitments given in the statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016. The first commitment is to "...establish an independent Working Group to report to Government on improvements with the protection process, including Direct Provision and supports for asylum seekers". My intention is to proceed with the establishment of that Working Group in the near future whose mandate will include reporting back to Government on improvements in relation to direct provision. I am, in advance of the Working Group, holding a Round Table on 19 September to provide non-governmental organisations active in the field of asylum the opportunity to outline the key issues for them in relation to the State's current arrangements for asylum seekers. I also intend to use the outcome of that meeting to inform the terms of the Working Group.