Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
298. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the consultation process provided for local communities as a general policy regarding the development of direct provision centres. [11804/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe sourcing of new accommodation centres for those persons seeking international protection is done by way of either an expression of interest published in the national press and EU Journal by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department, or a public procurement process which is advertised on E-Tenders and the Official Journal of the European Union and managed by the Office of Government Procurement on behalf of RIA.
All proposed premises must be inspected and assessed as to their suitability. The criteria for assessment is based on quality of premises, general conformity with the recommendations of the McMahon Report, and the availability of services such as schools, general practitioners, post office etc. Once a premises is offered to RIA and has been deemed suitable following an inspection, negotiations with the proposed service provider are carried out.
During the assessment and prior to the conclusion of the negotiations, the local authority is consulted to see if there are any legal or compliance issues in relation to the property. Following the conclusion of negotiations, all local councillors and local members of the Oireachtas are contacted. It is not appropriate to commence this consultation process prior to this as it is not guaranteed that a centre will open until these negotiations are complete.
Once a premises is established, the Reception and Integration Agency establishes a local liaison group (as recommended in the McMahon Report) called the Friends of the Centre Group. RIA also work with the local State service providers to address any issues as they arise.
