Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020
632. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Justice the status of plans for a significant overhaul and reform of the way in which accommodation is provided to asylum seekers; the details of increases in resources for the hearing of asylum applications and appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24707/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to end the current system of Direct Provision within the lifetime of the Government and to replace it with a new international protection accommodation policy, centred on a not-for-profit approach.
Last year, Dr Catherine Day was asked to bring together an expert group with representation from asylum seekers and NGOs to examine best practice in other European States in the provision of services to international protection applicants, to examine likely longer term trends and to set out recommendations and solutions. The Group is examining both the reception system for accommodating applicants and the system for processing applications, and is expected to make recommendations for changes in both areas. Any new system for the provision of accommodation and additional supports to international protection applicants will be informed by the Report of this Expert Group. The Report is expected to be submitted to Government shortly for consideration.
A White Paper considering the totality of the international protection process, including the provision of accommodation, will be informed by the Group's Report and will be published by the end of this year. While my Department currently holds responsibility for the accommodation system and the implementation of reception standards, this responsibility will shortly transfer to my colleague, the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration once the Transfer of Functions is completed.
I can also confirm that an additional budget of €1m was allocated to the Immigration Service Delivery area of my Department in 2020, which included provision for additional staffing to fast-track international protection applications. Resources were allocated which allowed for the introduction of video interviews of protection applicants living outside of Dublin for the first time.
