Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 July 2023
205. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of persons in direct provision who have leave to remain getting eviction notices when they cannot find a place to live, and persons are being forcibly removed from direct provision centres (details supplied). [34545/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra206. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can outline the IPAS policy on forcing persons out of direct provision centres if they cannot find accommodation within HAP limits, especially if this results in them having to leave employment or study if the centre they are told to move to is not in travel distance of employment or college. [34546/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 206 together.
The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is currently accommodating almost 5,400 people that have been granted status (Refugee/Subsidiary Protection/Leave to Remain). As those with status have had their application for International Protection determined, they are no longer considered international protection applicants (IPAs) and therefore no longer entitled to Material Reception Conditions.
When first granted status by the Department of Justice, IPAS writes individually to all of those accommodated by IPAS and advises them of the supports available to them from Peter McVerry Trust and DePaul, and that they must now actively look to progress from IPAS accommodation into the community.
These organisations have been contracted by the Department to provide onsite support to those no longer eligible for IPAS accommodation to aid their integration and progress into the community. Since January 2022, over 1,600 people with status have moved on from IPAS accommodation.
Those with status granted the greatest length of time, who have not moved on, are offered a transfer to alternative emergency accommodation so that those currently still in the International Protection process can be accommodated in IPAS Centres where they can receive supports.
Those currently being offered this transfer have had status for at least 18 months if single and over 3 years if part of a family unit.
Due to the shortage of IPAS accommodation, it is not always possible to transfer those with status for the greatest length of time to emergency accommodation close to where they currently reside.
