Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Reception and Integration Agency, or RIA, of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of protection applicants in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. Direct provision provides for full board accommodation supports while a final decision is awaited by a person on his or her protection or related leave to remain application. Approximately, 4,300 persons are residing in 34 asylum accommodation centres under contract to RIA.

In August, September and October this year, a series of protests took place at a number of direct provision asylum accommodation centres in Cork, Clare, Westmeath, Waterford, Limerick and Laois. I acknowledge that. In each case, officials from RIA met with the protesting residents and with local management. We have analysed what precisely was being raised by individuals. In every case, the issues being protested about fell into two categories, each requiring a different response.

The first category relates to local issues in the centres, including food and transport. Centre action plans with deliverables and timeframes were agreed between residents and service providers. The Deputy can verify that if she wishes. We will continue to monitor the position to ensure these agreements are implemented.

The second category relates to national issues. The Deputy will agree that the main issue that arises time and again is the length of time people spend in direct provision. As I outlined to the House, we intend, in line with other European countries, to introduce a single procedure to provide for effective and timely management of asylum applications. This is not currently the case. I and my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, have, for the first time, established a working group consisting of representatives of many of the non-governmental organisations working in this area and representatives of statutory providers and various Departments. The group's terms of reference are to examine how the experience of families and children in direct provision centres can be improved. We have requested that it report back by Easter 2015 with recommendations that will make a difference to the families and individuals living in direct provision. As I indicated, my ministerial colleague and I have initiated a reforming measure over which I am proud to stand.

See this speech in context