Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I appreciate Deputy Curran's decision to raise this matter on behalf of his constituents in Clondalkin. The reception and integration agency, RIA, is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers and is obliged to provide sufficient accommodation at all times to cater for the needs of persons who apply to the State for recognition as refugees under the 1951 Geneva Convention. The service provided by the RIA is demand driven and must be capable of expanding and contracting in line with the numbers arriving into the State. The task of providing accommodation presents considerable challenges to the RIA, which must continuously and actively manage its accommodation portfolio in regard to overall numbers, geographic location and value for money. Changes in asylum policy can also place new demands on the geographical spread of accommodation.

The RIA's portfolio currently consists of 55 centres accommodating 5,224 persons throughout the State. The agency provides accommodation to asylum seekers primarily by way of direct provision, that is on a full board basis, as per a Government decision on this matter. A small amount of self-catering accommodation is available and prioritised for persons with medical needs. The current accommodation portfolio is made up of seven State owned direct provision centres, 41 commercially owned direct provision centres and nine commercially owned self-catering centres. Under the commercial arrangements, the RIA does not acquire the property in the sense of purchasing it but contracts the properties for a fixed period in order to provide accommodation and board for asylum seekers at fixed prices.

I reiterate that the RIA operates within a continuously changing dynamic and decisions on accommodation are made on the basis of the needs and requirements facing the agency at any time. The agency operates with a view to achieving the best value for money for the Department and the State. The Deputy should appreciate that demand driven organisations such as the RIA have to make decisions in real time and on the basis of available information. A delicate balance has to be struck between long-term plans and budgetary responsibilities. As part of this active portfolio management process and under responsibilities laid on all public bodies by the national public procurement framework, the RIA advertised in the national press on 10 July 2006 for expressions of interest from persons with regard to providing accommodation and ancillary services for asylum seekers. It was in this context that an offer of accommodation in Clondalkin was made to the agency. The Tánaiste also pointed out that the property in question was assessed by the RIA as suitable and that an arrangement was entered into without reference to him.

In this instance, the urgent need for a new facility in Dublin, coupled with the commercial sensitivities surrounding the acquisition of the property prevented the RIA from engaging in any advance consultation process with local service providers. As soon as it was possible to do so the RIA contacted, and is currently liaising with, relevant Departments and agencies to overcome any initial difficulties in this regard. Discussions have opened with the relevant support groups and service providers and will intensify over the coming weeks.

As regards the running of the centres, this is largely done through partnership initiatives with the commercial sector through fixed term contracts for the provision of accommodation and ancillary services. These contracts include all day-to-day requirements, including full-board accommodation, heating, lighting, toiletries, laundry, housekeeping, cleaning materials and security. Such a contract applies to the new centre at Clondalkin. The Deputy will be aware that asylum seekers access many State services on exactly the same basis as the indigenous population.

The Tánaiste would be concerned if the opening of this centre has generated fears and concerns within the local community. This centre will accommodate some 65 families who have sought the protection of the State. The Deputy can be assured that the RIA will work with all the stakeholders to address any fears that may arise. Furthermore, it should be noted that the Tánaiste's constituency contains five accommodation centres for asylum seekers operating under the aegis of the RIA which accommodate some 320 persons. There is no question, therefore, of Clondalkin or any other area being expected to shoulder a disproportionate burden in terms of the State meeting its obligations to asylum seekers.

I note the Deputy's request for a postponement of the expansion so that the local authority and the Department of Education and Science can be consulted. I will not make a final judgment on the appropriateness of this facility and Deputy Curran will be aware that the Tánaiste is open to any issues the Deputy wishes to raise. I am sure the RIA, along with all State agencies, will be fully compliant with their obligations to the local authority. If an issue arises with regard to planning permission for change of use, I am sure the agency will take the appropriate action.

See this speech in context