Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

Was it not a little late to hold the meeting last Monday? Should it not have met before now to discuss this issue? Is it not the case that there has been an 11% reduction in the costs of accommodation between 2002 and 2008, yet there has been a 200% reduction in the number of new asylum applicants coming into the country? In that period we spent €2.25 billion on the accommodation and asylum system in this country. We had the lowest figures for new applicants in 2008, yet accommodation costs increased by €15.5 million. Can the Minister give an assurance to the House that the targeted reduction of 22% in the current year will be achieved? Will it be achieved regarding the courts issues and regarding the Minister making sure that leave to remain applications are dealt with in an expeditious manner?

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