Asylum Seekers

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020

Tuesday, 17 November 2020

Ceisteanna (628, 629, 632)

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

628. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of disabled asylum seekers in direct provision. [36923/20]

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

629. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of disabled asylum seekers in emergency accommodation. [36924/20]

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

632. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of disabled asylum seekers in emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36994/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I propose to take Questions Nos. 628, 629 and 632 together.

My Department does not hold data or maintain statistics on disabilities of international protection applicants residing in accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service.

Every effort is, however, made to ensure that a resident's specific needs are met in assigning accommodation to them. The International Protection Accommodation Service of my Department routinely assesses applicants for any special reception needs to meet their accommodation requirements. This is especially the case for families with young children and for applicants with a disability.

Discussions are ongoing between officials in my Department and the HSE to enable formal vulnerability assessments for applicants for international protection by the end of the year. This will enhance the capacity of IPAS and the HSE to identify issues, including in relation to disability, when assigning accommodation to those seeking international protection.