Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Paul Murphy is taking Question No. 12. We would get a lot of questions finished by 5.30 p.m. if people asked one supplementary question. Is that agreed? Agreed.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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12. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to introduce increased payments for children living in direct provision; the measures he is taking to address the vulnerable position of children in direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44223/17]

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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I am sure the Minister is well aware, having visited direct provision centres and met children who live there, of the particularly vulnerable position that they are in. What measures has he taken to address their situation? Are there are any plans to introduce increased payments for children living in direct provision?

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I wish to assure the Deputy that I have visited some centres and engaged with children in the company of their parents or guardians. While the rate of payments for children living in State-provided accommodation is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty, I am pleased to inform the Deputy that these payments have increased twice in the past two years, from €9.60 to €15.10 per child in January 2016 and to €21.60 from September of this year. All children or adults within the protection process who are resident in State-provided accommodation are now paid the same rate of allowance.

These payments should be considered within the context that the families living in State-provided accommodation do not have the same level of expenses which other persons who are dependent on social welfare may have, such as rent, utility bills, food costs, prescription costs and so on. Such costs are covered in full by the Government for persons living in the direct provision system.

In regard to children who may be vulnerable, I take the issue of child welfare and protection very seriously. It is important to outline that parents and guardians who live in State-provided accommodation centres have primary responsibility for the care and welfare of their children. Unaccompanied minors in the State fall within the remit of Tusla.

The Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, of my Department has a child and family services unit. Its role is to manage, deliver, co-ordinate, monitor and plan all matters relating to child and family services for all persons residing in centres and to act as a conduit between RIA and the Tusla. The unit is headed by a manager seconded from the Tusla.

The unit's main functions and responsibilities are to monitor and implement the RIA child protection policy, working in close partnership with the child protection and welfare service of Tusla nationally. It works in partnership with many NGOs and Tusla on important issues.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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Does the Minister agree that the conditions these children face are horrific? Their parents are not allowed to work and they do not have cooking facilities or live in an ordinary family environment. They are being institutionalised from a young age, potentially for quite a long time. According to the 2015 HIQA report, 14% of children have been referred to child protection services compared to a national average of 1.6%.

I do not think more money is the answer. However, when the direct provision charge payment amounts to €93 per month compared to €140 for child benefit - two-thirds of the payment - one has to ask why they are being treated differently. Are they being treated as though they are equivalent to two-thirds of the children entitled to child benefit?

Speaking in the Seanad recently, the Minister said he had not heard a credible alternative. The credible alternative is to abolish direct provision, give people the right to work and allow people to access homes on the same basis as anybody else in the State.

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I do not accept that the services and facilities being provided by the State are horrific, as the Deputy described. I reject that. Of course I accept that the conditions are not ideal, but they are being continually enhanced and improved. I want to acknowledge the contribution of former judge, Bryan McMahon, and his comprehensive report and recommendations. He carried out consultation with young people. The reports are being implemented.

Self or communal catering facilities are now available in Mosney, St. Patrick's in Monaghan, Ballyhaunis and Clonakilty, and will shortly be implemented in Millstreet and in State-owned centres in Clones, Kerry, Limerick and Cork.

I wish to acknowledge the voluntary contribution of the friends of the centre group which include representatives of youth clubs. Other youth organisations were established in all of the centres.

I can cite the important role of Foróíge, which has a club in the accommodation centre in Mosney. I want to acknowledge the role of many voluntary sporting organisations, in particular the Football Association of Ireland, FAI, which is actively encouraging the participation of young people in Mosney.

While the conditions are not ideal, I wish to assure Deputy Murphy that we are continuing with the progressive implementation of the McMahon recommendations in order to ensure that the centres provide as comfortable an atmosphere and engagement as possible given the circumstances.