Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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96. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on the investigations that have taken place into conditions and the changes that will be made following protests at direct provision centres throughout the country. [43827/14]

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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I ask Deputy Fitzgerald as Minister for Justice and Equality if she will report on any investigations she or her Department have carried out into direct provision centres and the conditions in them, particularly in light of the fact that residents at a number of centres have had to engage in protests to highlight their plight. What action is the Minister taking on this scandal?

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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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.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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While I welcome any measure that will ameliorate the misery and suffering of people living in direct provision centres, does the Minister not agree it is time to close down these hell holes in which adults must live on €19 per week and children on €9.60 per week? There is no way to improve the experience of the residents of direct provision centres. We must recognise that conditions in them are a scandal. The Minister of State, Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, described the current position as intolerable and question after question is raised about the issue in the House, yet it is allowed to continue.

I agree that people should have access to decent food. The issue, however, is that they are being asked to live in humiliating and degrading conditions for long periods. Those who seek asylum should live in a normal environment while their applications are processed.

It is time to recognise that direct provision centres, the operation of which has been outsourced to private firms, are similar to the Magdalen laundries. Incidentally, some asylum seekers are living in former convents. This scandal should not continue.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I do not agree with the Deputy's analysis that improvements cannot be made. The working group, which includes representatives of non-governmental organisations that have contact with the women, men and children living in direct provision centres, will make recommendations. Unlike other countries, Ireland does not detain asylum seekers. I am not condoning detention but pointing out that it occurs. The reason direct provision accommodation was first provided was that there was a major homeless crisis in Dublin at the time, with 8,500 people in the capital unable to find accommodation.

The number of asylum applications increased by 44.7% in the period to the end of September compared with the same period last year and it is expected to reach 1,300 by the end of 2014. This increase, which reflects similar developments elsewhere in Europe, presents a significant challenge for Ireland and other countries in terms of providing accommodation. People who arrive here seeking refugee status have been always provided with accommodation. I accept, however, that our response could be improved. As I noted, the Minister of State, Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, and I are determined to implement whatever changes are feasible. Accommodation and care are being provided to more than 4,500 people in direct provision centres.

The Deputy suggests there is an alternative to direct provision. Any alternative would involve substantial resources.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I must interrupt the Minister as many Deputies wish to ask questions.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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The Minister stated that, unlike other countries, Ireland does not detain asylum seekers. How does one describe a system in which people are not allowed to work or to have visitors and must eat and be at home at set times other than as a form of detention?

The Minister has said people are provided with accommodation and care. What would she call the treatment of a pregnant asylum seeker over the summer? It was hardly a great example of the State's care when she sought an abortion at eight weeks and was prevented from accessing that which was allowed for other women in the State, should they choose to leave the country availing of their constitutional right to travel or have an abortion under the legislation over which the Minister stood. The Government did not safeguard the girl's health and does not safeguard the health of asylum seekers, as has been recognised by all of the groups involved. The list included complaints about the length of time spent waiting, the unnecessarily restrictive rules for things such as food and the fact that there was no independent complaints commission. My alternative would be to allow people to live in a normal environment while they await the granting of asylum, as happened in the 1980s and 1990s and at other times.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy is anticipating the outcome of the inquiry regarding the young women she mentioned. As she knows, an inquiry is under way and I am sure all of the facts and details of the case will come out. My Department is extremely sensitive to women who find themselves in that situation. There are procedures in place for how these requests are handled in my Department; requests are dealt with in a very humane and understanding way. As a report will be published on the case, I do not want to anticipate its findings.

The system of direct provision has meant that we have been able to fulfil our legal and moral obligations to meet the needs of persns arriving in the country seeking protection who cannot meet their basic needs. The needs of more than 51,000 people seeking asylum have been met since the system was introduced. I have no doubt that the working group which will report by Easter next year will make recommendations which will improve the experience of asylum seekers and which we can implement immediately. We are committed to improving the system in whatever way we can.