Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 November 2018
112. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the direct provision centres identified as independent living centres; and the number of women and female children living in each of these centres. [46109/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from the recommendations of the McMahon Report and, in particular, to increase the autonomy and independence of residents, the Department has been working with service providers to introduce an 'independent living' model in accommodation centres. In this model, residents are allocated a number of points depending on their family composition and these points are used to procure the ordinary day to day household needs of residents. Items that can be procured under this system are ingredients for cooking, toiletries and other household items.
Currently five centres have moved to the independent living model. These centres and their current contracted capacities are:
|
Centre |
Contracted Capacity |
|
Athlone, Co Westmeath |
300 |
|
Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo |
245 |
|
Clonakilty, Co. Cork |
108 |
|
Millstreet, Co. Cork |
284 |
|
Mosney, Co. Meath |
600 |
The Department has recently commenced a public procurement exercise under which public tenders for the provision of accommodation and ancillary services under the independent living model will be advertised. This process is scheduled for completion in 2020 and will be delivered via a series of regional competitions to cover the entire state.
In parallel with the delivery of the full independent living model, a number of other accommodation centres have provided self catering facilities with fresh food provided by either the contractor or the resident themselves. These centres include St Patrick's in Monaghan, Kinsale Road in Cork and Ocean View and Atlantic House in Tramore.
The statistical breakdown sought by the Deputy is not readily available. An analysis of the relevant centres will be carried out and will be forwarded on to the Deputy as soon as is practicable.
