Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
672. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons that resided and reside in direct provision centres in each county in each of the years 2010 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; the number of children aged zero to five, five to ten and ten to 18 years of age in each centre in each of the periods, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31859/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe statistical data that the Deputy has requested is set out below in tabular form. Over the past 20 years more than 60,000 people have been supported by the Direct Provision system.
While an international protection claim is being examined, the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) offers accommodation and related services to anyone without means. This includes all meals, and utilities. It is a whole-of-Government approach to supports and services for applicants. A weekly personal allowance is paid to each person and the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection cover exceptional needs. The Department of Education and Skills provides school places for children resident in the centres and children also have access to the free pre-school scheme, the Early Childhood Care and Education programme. The HSE provides mainstreamed health services to residents.
