Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:633. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of adults and children with leave to remain at the end of June 2018 who are still living in direct provision. [32535/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 July 2018
Ceisteanna (633)
Freagraí scríofa
The number of persons that have some form of a permission to remain in the State and still reside in RIA accommodation currently stands at 591.
My Department cannot definitively state the individual reason(s) why a person or family may remain in accommodation centres. Anecdotally it is known that some families may not move house during the school terms and especially so when one of the family may be undertaking state examinations. As a result, any moves that may take place in these circumstances could happen between June and August.
All residents who are granted status are provided with details on how to access an on-line information booklet entitled "Your Guide to Living Independently" which provides information in respect of housing, finance, healthcare, and education among other issues. It provides details on how residents can apply for social housing and access Housing Assistance Payments.
I am aware that accessing accommodation is an issue for residents in accommodation centres given the current housing market. Assistance in such matters is readily forthcoming from a number of sources including local authorities, local management in accommodation centres and other support groups. My Department has funded a number of projects with NGOs such as the Jesuit Refugee Service and DePaul to assist those persons who are resident in accommodation centres who have been granted a form of status to access their own housing. Discussions are also ongoing with a number of Approved Housing Bodies to provide assistance nationwide.