Neale Richmond
Ceist:821. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration will be given to relocating a family (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19159/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 July 2020
Ceisteanna (821)
Freagraí scríofa
The extended family of the person concerned had been resettled in Mullingar several years prior to his arrival in the State under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP). Westmeath County Council fulfilled its allocation for the resettlement of refugee families in April 2019 and no further housing allocation is expected. The Westmeath Refugee Resettlement Programme had already been extended by an additional seven months to facilitate further integration supports to recently arrived families. It was not possible, therefore, for the person concerned and his immediate family to be allocated housing in Mullingar, as was desired.
The family concerned was initially allocated housing in County Wicklow. However, the Integration Service Delivery Unit of my Department subsequently secured alternative accommodation in Clara, Co. Offaly, with the assistance of Offaly County Council, to enable them to be closer to their extended family in Mullingar.
Unfortunately, it is not possible for my Department to secure housing for families in particular locations as the allocation of housing is matter for the Local Authorities. Families are of course free to source their own housing throughout the country and are entitled to the same supports as all other citizens including the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme.