Written Answers Nos. 116-135
116. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform when funding will be available for flood defence measures for north Louth from Omeath to Dundalk and Dundalk to Clogherhead to upgrade coastal flood defence measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49547/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding is the Office of Public Works (OPW) Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW working in partnership with the local authorities, involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of Flood Risk Management Plans.
Seven Areas for Further Assessment (AFAs) have been identified in County Louth as follows: Baltray, Annagassan, Ardee, Dundalk & Blackrock South, Carlingford & Greenore, Termonfeckin and Drogheda. The feasible measures both structural and non-structural identified for these AFAs are contained in the final plans for the East and North Western – Neagh Bann CFRAM studies.
These Plans are currently undergoing an independent review of the strategic level environmental assessments by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Once this independent review of all Plans is completed and observations addressed, I would hope by the end of this year to seek the approval from the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform for the Flood Risk Management Plans. Thereafter, I would hope to announce the proposed structural measures contained within the Plans that will, over the coming years, be taken to detailed design to protect those communities at assessed risk.
Outside of the CFRAM study areas, Louth County Council has responsibility for investigating and addressing issues of coastal protection and flooding in their area and can apply for funding to carry out proposed works under the OPW Minor Flood Mitigation Works and Coastal Protection Scheme. Any application received will be assessed under the scheme's eligibility criteria. Application forms and related guidelines are available on the OPW website under Flood Risk Management. http://www.opw.ie/en/floodriskmanagement/operations/minorfloodworkscoastalprotectionscheme/
117. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the Department of the Taoiseach's strategy statement and its commitment to meet the demographic challenges in higher education. [49414/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraHigher education is a central part of our plan as a Government to support a strong economy and deliver a fair society and I have taken a number of steps towards achieving this important objective.
As committed to in the Programme for Government, I have referred the Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding for Higher Education to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Skills. The Report sets out a number of proposals to develop a long term sustainable funding model. I look forward to receiving the Committee's recommendations. This will assist in facilitating informed decision-making for the future direction of funding for higher education.
While the Committee are undertaking this important work, I have been working in the interim to secure additional funding for higher education to address, inter alia, rising demographics. This commitment is reflected in the recent Budget 2018 announcement in which the higher education sector will benefit from a total investment package of €60m in additional funding in 2018. This funding is on top of the €36.5m that I secured for 2017 and which is being provided again in 2018. In total, we will be investing €100m more in higher education in 2018 than in 2016. This additional funding will allow for targeted initiatives in higher education and will allow for places to be provided for 2,100 additional students in 2018.
In Budget 2017, the Government increased Exchequer funding to higher education by €36.5 million and announced a consultation exercise to consider an Employer-Exchequer Investment Mechanism. This reflected the recommendation in the Report of the Expert Group on Future Funding of Higher Education that a structured contribution from employers should form a key element of future funding for higher education as employers are major beneficiaries of higher education.
Following a public consultation process on a proposed Exchequer-Employer Investment Mechanism earlier this year, it was announced in Budget 2018 that the National Training Fund levy will be raised by 0.1% in 2018 from 0.7% to 0.8% and by a further 0.1% in both 2019 and 2020. This measure allows for additional expenditure of €47.5 million from the Fund in 2018. The 2019 and 2020 levy increases will be subject to the implementation of the necessary reforms to ensure that employers have a greater role in determining the priorities and the strategic direction of the Fund.
In addition, the Exchequer will also make an additional investment of €17m in 2018. Together this will facilitate an increase of €64.5 million in the Department’s expenditure ceiling. This will be used to fund initiatives in the higher education system including targeted skills programmes, performance and innovation funding, technological university development and apprenticeship costs in the higher education sector.
Also, following the review of the Capital Plan, a total of €357m in capital funding is now available for investment in higher education over the period 2018-2021.
As set out in the Programme for Government, this comprehensive approach is being taken in order to achieve a sustainable funding model for the higher education sector going forward. It will be important to build broad political and societal consensus in realising this goal and my Department and I continue to work towards that end.
118. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the status of the provision of new school buildings for a school (details supplied); his views on the acquisition of land; if the extension of the school is a more likely prospect in the short term as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49499/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently finalising its plans for capital expenditure in 2018. Building projects, including the project for the school to which the Deputy refers, will be considered in that context.
Officials from my Department will shortly be in contact with the school regarding the timeframe for progression of its project.
119. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a grant for a school (details supplied) in County Longford will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49500/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe normal practice is for the Minor Works Grant to be announced towards the end of the year if funding permits.
Over the next number of weeks the issue of the Minor Works Grant 2017/2018 will be considered in the context of my Department's overall capital position.
120. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Skills if it is planned to establish an Educate Together school in Fermoy, County Cork. [49523/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the report of the Advisory Group to the Forum on Patronage and Pluralism in the Primary Sector recommended that demand for patronage diversity should be met in areas of stable population by divesting patronage of existing schools where there is evidence of parental demand for change. Following surveys conducted by my Department in areas of stable population, sufficient demand emerged in 28 areas, including the Fermoy area. Under this patronage divesting process, ten new schools have opened from 2013 to 2016.
As the Deputy may be aware following discussions on patronage divesting with education stakeholders and patron bodies in 2016, on the 30th January 2017, I announced new plans aimed at providing more multi-denominational and non-denominational schools across the country, in line with the choices of parents, families and school communities and the Programme for Government commitment in this area. I believe that the new schools reconfiguration for diversity process has the potential to significantly increase patron diversity in our school system with a target of reaching 400 multi-denominational and non-denominational schools by 2030.
In tandem with the implementation of the schools reconfiguration process, my Department is continuing to work with the main stakeholders to progress delivery of diversity in the areas already identified, including Fermoy.
121. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Education and Skills the position regarding the need for a site for a school (details supplied) in order that it can open as planned in 2018. [49534/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, a project to provide permanent accommodation for the school to which she refers is included on my Department's Capital Programme.
Officials in my Department have been liaising with officials in the relevant local authority in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to the identification and acquisition of a suitable permanent site for this school and this process is ongoing at present.
In the meantime, my Department is continuing to work in close co-operation with the Patron to facilitate the opening of this school in suitable interim accommodation.
122. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the grant opportunities available for a mature student who wishes to return to education to complete a masters in teaching. [49558/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFinancial supports are currently available for those postgraduate students who meet the eligibility criteria of the Student Grant Scheme.
I secured additional funding in Budget 2017 to facilitate the reinstatement of full maintenance grants from September 2017, for the most disadvantaged postgraduate students. In addition postgraduate students who meet the qualifying conditions for the special rate of grant under the Student Grant Scheme are eligible to have their post graduate tuition fees paid up to the maximum fee limit of €6,270.
Alternatively, a postgraduate student may qualify to have a €2,000 contribution made towards the cost of their fees. The income threshold for this payment is €31,500 for the 2017/18 academic year, increasing relative to the number of family dependents.
In addition, students in third-level institutions experiencing exceptional financial need can apply for support under the Student Assistance Fund. This Fund assists students, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, who might otherwise be unable to continue their third level studies due to their financial circumstances. Details of this fund are available from the Access Office in the third level institution attended.
Tax relief also is available on postgraduate tuition fees. Details in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.
123. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Skills when a school building project (details supplied) in County Dublin will complete stage 2B; the timeframe for this project to be completed in view of the fact that planning permission was granted 18 months ago in May 2016. [49566/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe major building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning - Stage 2(b), which includes the applications for Planning Permission, Fire Certificate and Disability Access Certificate and the preparation of Tender Documents. All statutory applications have been secured.
The Brief Change Request for the project was received by my Department. However, on initial review it was found that the documents submitted were incomplete and further information was requested and is awaited from the School and its Design Team.
When these outstanding documents are received and reviewed and a determination has been made on the Brief Change Request, the Design Team will be in a position to finalise the Stage 2(b) Report. Upon receipt and review of this report my Department will revert to the school with regard to the further progression of the project at that time.
124. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Education and Skills the reason for changing the junior certificate education system when there is conflicting evidence as to the merits of this change. [49639/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), is the statutory body with responsibility for matters relating to the curriculum for early childhood education, primary and post-primary schools and the assessment procedures employed in schools and examinations on subjects which are part of the curriculum. Findings from research commissioned by the NCCA showed that the quality of engagement – with the schools, with teachers and with learning – is central to this phase of education. ESRI research highlighted that a number of students were not progressing in first year, more were disengaging in second year and that were also students not developing their particular skills and interests. These findings were further underpinned when the OECDs Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results for Irish 15 year olds were published, showing a decline in reading and maths scores. These combined findings indicated that the junior cycle in the existing format did not meet the needs of students and a failure to reform the junior cycle would see a continuation of this decline.
The new Framework for Junior Cycle gives students the opportunity to develop a wider range of knowledge and skills to equip them for further learning, for work, for responsible and active citizenship and for healthy living. It gives students better learning opportunities and recognises non-academic achievement.
125. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the working paper on Article 50 relating to dialogue on Ireland and Northern Ireland circulated on 8 November 2017. [49413/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am not going to comment on the detail of internal EU working documents tabled in Brussels. However, both the EU and Ireland have been clear about the current state of play on negotiations on the priority exit issues, including the Irish issues.
There is nothing new emerging about EU positions on Ireland and Northern Ireland; the principles set out in the EU Guidelines for the negotiations and subsequent papers strongly acknowledge Ireland’s concerns and priorities.
The Government has also been consistent in what we require.
At this point in the negotiations, it is entirely appropriate that the EU would seek further clarity on UK positions and call on the UK to provide strong political assurances and tangible commitments ahead of any decision on whether sufficient progress has been achieved on the Irish specific issues that recognize the unique situation on the island of Ireland, and that flexible and imaginative solutions will be required.
Ireland is working closely with the Commission Task Force to advance progress on Irish issues in the negotiations with the UK. The EU is united in the negotiations and fully behind the excellent work being done by its Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier, and his team.
126. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his plans to open an Irish embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia; if Georgia is included in plans to double the Irish diplomatic footprint by 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49482/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe doubling of Ireland's global footprint by 2025 commenced with the recent Government decisions to open new Embassies in Santiago, Chile; Bogotá, Colombia; Amman, Jordan; and Wellington, New Zealand; and new Consulates General in Vancouver, western Canada and Mumbai, India, on a phased basis from 2018. This will expand Ireland’s diplomatic network to 65 Embassies, 7 multilateral missions, 13 Consulates General and one Representative office.
The locations for any possible new missions are considered by the Government and identified on the basis of where they would have the greatest impact and the greatest potential to deliver in terms of the State’s economic and political interests and provide clear benefits for the State.
At present, Ireland’s bilateral relationship with Georgia is fostered on a concurrent basis through our Embassy in Sofia. The question of opening a resident diplomatic mission in Georgia will be considered in the context of the wider plan to augment our network to 2025.
127. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to remove the primary responsibility for security from the remit of the office of the Garda Commissioner and An Garda Síochána; the engagements there have been with senior Garda officers on such a proposal and by whom; the alternative structure envisaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49480/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, earlier this year the Government established the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland to undertake an independent, comprehensive examination of all aspects of policing in the State. By definition this includes all functions currently carried out by An Garda Síochána - community safety, security and immigration. The Commission is also to examine the full range of bodies that have a role in providing oversight and accountability for their activities; the Policing Authority, the Garda Inspectorate, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, my Department and the Government. The terms of reference require the Commission to bring forward proposals addressing five themes:
- structures and management arrangements required for the most effective delivery of policing (including all functions currently carried out by An Garda Síochána),
- appropriate composition, recruitment and training of personnel,
- culture and ethos of policing,
- appropriate structures for oversight and accountability, and
- legislative framework for policing.
In relation to the theme of structures I would draw the Deputy's attention to the specific term of reference which requires the Commission to bring forward proposals in relation to the most appropriate structures for delivering all aspects of policing, whether a unitary structure or otherwise.
The terms of reference also call on the Commission to have regard to:
- existing and emerging issues identified as key challenges for Ireland’s model of policing,
- best practices in the policing models of other countries focused towards greater effectiveness and efficiency, and fostering public confidence in policing,
- previous reports concerning policing in Ireland,
- any specific challenges to delivering consistent structural and cultural reform in policing.
The terms of reference require the Commission to consult widely in the course of its work, including with the public and civic society and any other bodies or individuals it considers appropriate. In line with this requirement, the Commission has launched a consultation process via its website and is encouraging individuals and organisations to share their views on all issues relevant to the Commission’s terms of reference as an important input to the Commission’s report.
The Commission is to report by September 2018 and it may, in accordance with its terms of reference, bring forward immediate proposals and rolling recommendations for implementation that it considers are required to be addressed in the short-term and in advance of its final report.
I met with the Chair of the Commission, Ms Kathleen O'Toole, very recently and she has updated me on their work to date. The Commission has met with a wide range of key stakeholders including An Garda Síochána, the Garda Inspectorate, the Policing Authority and my Department. It has also engaged with policing and security practitioners in other jurisdictions to gain insights into other policing models and oversight arrangements. Members of the Commission also met political representatives in the Houses recently to hear their views. I understand that the Commission will continue to engage with bodies key to the future of policing in Ireland over the coming months. To date the Commission has made no recommendations with regard to how An Garda Síochána should be structured into the future.
It is important that the Commission be afforded the time to complete the important and challenging task that has been set for it. I look forward to receiving the Commission's final report by next September and any interim reports that it may make in the meantime.
128. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the funding provided to an organisation (details supplied) for the past six years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49586/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provided funding to the organisation in question as outlined in the table. (For part of 2011, this function was within the remit of the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs.) This funding was mostly used for core costs.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2011 |
€528,000 |
|
2012 |
€350,000 |
|
2013 |
€300,000 |
|
2014 |
€350,000 |
|
2015 |
€300,000 |
|
2016 |
€400,000 |
The allocation for the organisation this year is €480,000.
129. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he plans to dispense with the need for holders of diplomatic passports from the Republic of Georgia to apply for a visa for the purpose of visiting Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49467/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that requirements for which countries are visa required to come to Ireland are kept under regular review in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. As indicated previously, there are no plans to implement the change referred to by the Deputy.
My Department pursues a strategy of co-ordination and co-operation on visa issues with the United Kingdom in the context of the Common Travel Area (CTA). This is exemplified by the operation of the British Irish Visa Scheme in China and India which allows for travel to and around Ireland and the UK on a single visa.
As part of this continued co-operation, the matter of alignment of those States whose citizens are visa required is also kept under review. The greater the extent of alignment between the two jurisdictions, the greater the opportunity to increase the numbers of tourism and business visits to the CTA. At present, both Ireland and the UK require citizens of Georgia to be in possession of a visa for the purpose of visiting their jurisdiction and any proposals for change will also need to take this into consideration.
130. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for naturalisation; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49475/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department that the application for naturalisation referred to by the Deputy was refused for reasons provided to the person concerned and their legal representative in a letter issued on 23 March 2017 advising of the decision.
A new application for naturalisation was received in May 2017 from the person concerned. Processing of this application is on-going and it will be submitted to me for decision as expeditiously as possible.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to the INIS of my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response from the INIS is, in the Deputy’s view, inadequate or too long awaited.
131. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of gardaí stationed in Tallaght Garda station by position (details supplied), in tabular form. [49478/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, it is the Garda Commissioner who is responsible for the distribution of resources, including personnel, among the various Garda Divisions and I, as Minister, have no direct role in the matter. Garda management keeps this distribution of resources under continual review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the optimum use is made of these resources.
The Deputy will be aware that Tallaght Garda Station forms part of the Dublin Metropolitan Region (D.M.R.) South Division. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Gardaí assigned to the D.M.R. South Division on 30 September 2017, the latest date for which figures are currently available was 526 of whom 31 are assigned to Detective duties. There are also 22 Garda Reserves and 34 civilians attached to the DMR South Division. I am further informed by the Commissioner that the Garda strength of Tallaght Garda Station on 30 September was 173 Gardaí including 21 Community Garda.
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the strength of Tallaght Garda Station by Rank as on 30 September 2017, the latest date for which figures are currently available, is as set out in the table.
Strength of Tallaght Station by Rank 30 September 2017
|
Garda |
Sergeant |
Insp |
Supt |
TOTAL |
|
149 |
18 |
5 |
1 |
173 |
132. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of family reunification applications under the Refugee Act 1996 granted and refused by month to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49479/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a refugee may include a number of family members in his or her application for family reunification there can be multiple outcomes to any particular application, with some family members approved and some refused following an examination of the application. Statistics are therefore maintained on the number of decisions made on the subjects of an application rather than on the number of applications per se.
The table provides the numbers of persons granted and refused family reunification under the provisions of the Refugee Act by month to date in 2017:
|
Month |
Granted |
Refused |
|
January |
42 |
1 |
|
February |
10 |
44 |
|
March |
84 |
19 |
|
April |
31 |
5 |
|
May |
38 |
1 |
|
June |
59 |
22 |
|
July |
10 |
3 |
|
August |
71 |
5 |
|
September |
12 |
4 |
|
October |
8 |
57 |
|
November |
12 |
16 |
|
TOTAL |
377 |
177 |
133. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the average amount of time it is taking to get a first instance decision on a protection application from the International Protection Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49492/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the International Protection Act 2015 was commenced on 31 December 2016. The 2015 Act introduced a single procedure which enables all grounds for seeking international protection (refugee status and subsidiary protection) or permission to remain in the State for other reasons to be examined and determined in one process.
At the end of October 2017, there were some 5,000 applications awaiting processing in the International Protection Office (IPO). The majority of these applications were made before the commencement of the 2015 Act but were not finalised by the former Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and the former Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) by that date. These applications must be processed by the IPO under the transitional provisions of the 2015 Act. Various categories of cases reverted to the IPO including asylum appeals transferred from the former Refugee Appeals Tribunal and asylum and subsidiary protection cases transferred from the former ORAC. This has added significantly to the IPO’s caseload.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that considerable progress has been made by the IPO in getting the new single procedure process up and running. To date, the IPO has scheduled over 2,000 single procedure interviews (including in respect of EU relocation cases). More than 150 additional interviews have been scheduled in the IPO for the coming weeks with more interviews being scheduled on a daily basis. Some 1,400 recommendations/decisions in respect of international protection and permission to remain have also been made by the IPO. This includes some 600 recommendations in respect of the grant of international protection.
At the present time, it is not possible to calculate an accurate current median processing time for international protection applications due to the different case types on hands, which were returned to the IPO under the transitional provisions in the 2015 Act. Considerable additional resources, have and are, being allocated to the IPO to assist it in undertaking its statutory functions with a view to processing the volume of cases on hands as soon as possible.
In relation to the scheduling of interviews and the processing of cases in the IPO, I am also advised that the prioritisation of international protection applications is provided for in the International Protection Act 2015 subject to the need for fairness and efficiency. When the Application for International Protection Questionnaire (IPO 2) and other supporting documentation is returned by applicants, the IPO is scheduling applications for interview primarily on the basis of date of application (oldest cases first). However, certain categories of applicant are also being prioritised such as those from refugee generating countries (such as Syria) and unaccompanied minors. The IPO’s approach to prioritisation has been agreed with the UNHCR and is available on its website: www.ipo.gov.ie.
134. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will meet with persons (details supplied) following the recent debate on the Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2016 in Seanad Éireann. [49509/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2016, a Private Members Bill was presented at Second Stage in Seanad Eireann on 18 October, 2017 by Senator Padraig Mac Lochlainn. It proposed to provide for the possibility of a verdict of Iatrogenic Suicide at a coroner's inquest. The primary motivation for the Bill derived from the tragic experience of the family of Jake McGill Lynch.
While accepting that the Senator’s intentions were well motivated, the Government could not accept the Bill as such would risk its use at inquest as being interpreted as apportioning some liability on the medical practitioner who may have prescribed any form of treatment or medication to the deceased person prior to taking his or her own life. As the inquest is an inquisitorial process, it is not permitted to consider questions of civil or criminal liability under section 30 of the Coroners Act 1962.
The Government had received the advice of the Office of the Attorney General on the Bill to the effect that to introduce a verdict of iatrogenic suicide at inquest would be legally unsound.
The Coroners Society of Ireland indicated that it is very much opposed to this proposal, not least given that it might require coroners to reach verdicts that would infer liability on a medical practitioner.
I believe that a sufficient range of verdicts is available to coroners to draw on in the context of the cases envisaged by the Private Members Bill including those of suicide, open or medical misadventure.
While I express again my deepest condolences to the family I must make it clear, that the Government does not propose to change the law in this regard.
That said, I have no objections to meeting with the family at a suitable date.
135. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of adults and children who have been granted their stamp four visa or leave to remain but who remain in direct provision or other non-permanent accommodation funded by his Department on the first day of each month in 2017. [49530/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe breakdown of the data in the format requested by the Deputy is not available. Our data system is not designed in such a way that that we can provide this information, retrospectively, as at the first of each month.
I can advise the Deputy that as of 1 January 2017 a total of 635 persons who had been granted international protection (317) or leave to remain (318) were residing in Direct Provision accommodation or in an Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre (EROC). As of 14 November 2017, there were 639 persons with status residing in Direct Provision or an EROC, 430 people of whom had been granted international protection and 209 of whom had been granted leave to remain. The Deputy will be aware that Direct Provision accommodation is intended for and offered to those who have made applications for international protection, which are being examined. As a discretionary measure, those with international protection status or permission to remain are given time to assist them to transition to mainstream housing.
