Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
896. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons in direct provision; the number of households in direct provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21171/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State is obliged under domestic and international law to examine the application of anyone who arrives at the State to claim international protection. While we are examining their application, all applicants are offered accommodation and other supports such as healthcare, education for children and a weekly payment for personal expenditure. The provision of accommodation is demand-led, based on the number of applicants arriving to claim international protection and requiring accommodation.
While the HSE advice is that non-family members sharing a room in congregated settings are considered to be a household during the COVID-19 crisis, my Department does not maintain data on the number of such households.
The best available information is that, as of 30 August 2020, there were 7,056 residents being accommodated in Direct Provision centres, of whom 3,804 belong to a family group. These 3,804 residents belong to 1,185 individual family groups.
