Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2021
245. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress of the White Paper on direct provision; when this paper will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2980/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently developing the White Paper, which will set out options, together with the recommended direction, for the new model of accommodation and services for International Protection applicants and the transitional processes needed to implement the model. Options for developing a not-for-profit approach are currently being examined in this regard.
A large scale programme of consultations involving Government Departments and State bodies has taken place. The Ombudsman, the Ombudsman for Children, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, and the City and County Managers' Association were some of the bodies included in these consultations. In addition, representatives of accommodation centre residents and civil society organisations with refugee policy/practice expertise and housing policy/practice expertise (including Approved Housing Bodies) have been consulted.
Good progress has been made on drafting the White Paper and work is now focusing on testing the accommodation proposals that will be contained in it. In view of the extent of change proposed, the White Paper will take some more time than originally envisaged and I now expect it will be published in the second week of February.
