Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

The Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers and currently has a portfolio of 65 centres across the State for this purpose. To address the reduction in numbers and the change in profile of asylum seekers, the RIA embarked on a programme of downsizing its accommodation portfolio. The Kiltimagh centre has accommodated 80 asylum seekers in the recent past. The number in the centre today is approximately half of this figure. The Deputy should note that the RIA has, since its inception, reclassified centres as circumstances require as a normal part of its operations.

The ongoing RIA downsizing saw the closure in 2005 of 15 centres with a combined capacity of 833 beds. To date in 2006, four centres with a combined capacity of approximately 270 beds have been closed and further closures and reclassifications are planned. Overall, the current downsizing has led to the closure of two accommodation centres in County Mayo. Only two centres now remain in County Mayo, one in Kiltimagh and the other in Ballyhaunis.

The RIA considered the centre in Kiltimagh suitable for possible reclassification from family to single person accommodation. As part of the reclassification of this centre the RIA intended to relocate its families to other centres where they could benefit from special facilities for children and young people which have been put in place, including pre-school facilities for very young children. However, following discussions, the RIA agreed that the families with school going children who currently reside at the centre would be allowed to remain there at least until the end of the current school year.

The Kiltimagh centre consists of two buildings, the Railway Hotel and an annex, which is located across the road. The RIA has, thus far, allocated a total of 17 males to this building. The Minister never promised, as the Deputy has alleged, that a maximum of ten male asylum seekers would be sent to Kiltimagh. If the Deputy had cared to check the replies to the numerous questions the Minister recently answered on this topic, he would have seen that the Minister said: "the RIA will shortly make up to ten placements in the annex at this location and will monitor the arrangements on an ongoing basis". That is what was done and, having done so, the RIA has only moved this week a further six male asylum seekers to the centre. The ages of these asylum seekers vary from early 20s to over 40. The RIA has also moved two female asylum seekers to the centre.

The reception and integration agency will continue to monitor the situation in Kiltimagh. There are no reports of difficulties arising. However, the reality is that the State must be in a position to accommodate single asylum seekers and must use its existing accommodation for this purpose. If the State determined that the Kiltimagh centre was not suitable for this purpose it would have no choice but to withdraw from the contract. This would result in the loss of 16, mostly full time, jobs at that centre. I am sure the Deputy would not wish that outcome.

See this speech in context