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Wednesday, 16 Dec 2015

Written Answers Nos. 108-113

Asylum Seeker Accommodation

Ceisteanna (108)

Mattie McGrath

Ceist:

108. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address concerns around the designation of a hotel (details supplied) as an emergency reception and orientation centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45536/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) of the Department of Justice and Equality is responsible for the provision of accommodation for asylum seekers while their application for protection in the State is being processed. RIA also procures suitable premises on behalf of the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration (OPMI) for the accommodation of refugees when they first arrive in the State and before they move to their permanent homes in locations throughout the country. In both cases potential centres are assessed from a number of perspectives including access to local amenities, the provision of State services and the suitability of the accommodation for its particular purposes.

On 31st July 2015, RIA advertised for expressions of interest from persons or companies wishing to provide accommodation and related services for persons in the protection process. On foot of this advertisement, the proprietors of the premises in question responded to RIA. These premises meet the particular requirements of the OPMI for the accommodation of families invited to Ireland under the UNHCR Refugee Resettlement Programme. The premises will provide initial accommodation on a rolling basis to groups of Programme Refugees in the immediate period following their arrival in Ireland. Adult refugees undergo an eight week cultural orientation programme prior to their resettlement in locations, agreed between the OPMI and local authorities, throughout the State. As an assistance to their orientation programme, children with refugee status are provided with an education programme. Links to services such as health, transport etc., are also provided for families.

It is established best practice that on arrival in a new country, refugees need time to rest after what has been a traumatic experience, a very long journey and to acclimatise to their new environment. Refugees are supported by OPMI through this processes following their arrival. After the initial period, the language training and orientation programme begins and the refugees attend classes four days a week. Outings to local places of interest will generally be organised at weekends as well as activities for the children. Transport for these outings is of course provided as is regular transport to local urban areas.

Judicial Investigations

Ceisteanna (109, 110, 115)

Seamus Kirk

Ceist:

109. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline her plans to instigate an inquiry into the murder of a person (details supplied) in 1976 and the subsequent Garda Síochána investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45575/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Niall Collins

Ceist:

110. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline her views on the request of the family (details supplied) for an independent inquiry into a death in 1976 and the conduct of the subsequent investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45629/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

115. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the status of the investigation of the murder of a person (details supplied) in 1976; if An Garda Síochána will carry out further investigations; the level of co-operation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland; if she will ensure that further full and thorough investigations are undertaken without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45649/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 109, 110 and 115 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, I have previously met with family members of the victim to whom the Deputies refer and their legal representative to hear their concerns about aspects of the Garda investigation of the murder of their loved one and their call for an inquiry. This case was one of those inquired into previously by the late Mr Justice Henry Barron and examined subsequently by a sub-committee of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights.

I have great sympathy for the family in this case. There can be no doubt that the brutal murder of their loved one caused them untold grief and that there were unacceptable failings in the investigation of the murder. These matters were examined comprehensively by the Barron Inquiry and by the Oireachtas subcommittee.

I am recently in receipt of correspondence from the family's legal representatives with regard to legal proceedings in respect of the matter raised. The matter has been referred to the Chief State Solicitor's Office in accordance with the normal practice. In these circumstances the Deputies will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter.

Garda Stations

Ceisteanna (111, 112, 113)

Niall Collins

Ceist:

111. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to detail the number of Garda Síochána stations and the number of gardaí in each throughout the Waterford Garda Síochána division on 1 November 2010 and on 1 November 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45644/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Niall Collins

Ceist:

112. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to detail the number of Garda Síochána stations and the number of gardaí in each throughout the Kerry Garda Síochána division on 1 November 2010 and on 1 November 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45645/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Niall Collins

Ceist:

113. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality to detail the number of Garda Síochána stations and the number of gardaí in each throughout the Tipperary Garda Síochána division on 1 November 2010 and on 1 November 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45646/15]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 to 113, inclusive, together.

I have received the information from the Garda Commissioner requested by the Deputy, regarding the number of Garda stations and the number of gardaí in each of the Waterford, Kerry and Tipperary Garda Divisions on 1 November 2010 and on 1 November 2015.

The information requested is being complied and will be sent to the Deputy directly.

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