Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 233: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the asylum seeker reception centre at Magee Barracks, Kildare, in view of the fact that the lands are to be developed for affordable housing. [28544/04]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Reception and Integration Agency which operates under the aegis of my Department is responsible for the provision of accommodation and ancillary services for asylum seekers. The agency currently operates 74 centres in 25 of the Twenty-six Counties. The accommodation centre located in Magee Barracks, Kildare Town currently houses 138 residents.

Since January 2003 the numbers accommodated by the agency have grown from 4,100 to 6,500 — an increase of 58% — against a backdrop of a serious shortage of accommodation of all tenures in the State. In keeping with long standing policy, the agency has sought to meet the challenges posed by the additional numbers requiring accommodation in a sensitive, balanced and proportionate way thus ensuring that no undue burden is placed on any particular area of the country.

Given the increased demand for accommodation and the proportionate dispersal of asylum seekers throughout the State, I am informed by the agency that it has no plans at this point in time to vacate the accommodation centre in Magee Barracks.