Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 328: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that the accommodation at a location (details supplied) in County Limerick is suitable hostel accommodation for non-national mothers and babies; if the recent outbreak of illness which affected mothers and babies is not connected to the water supply; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the location is isolated in woodland and that residents find it very difficult to settle; if, taking all the factors into account, thetransfer of these persons to a more suitable location will be expedited and use of the facility discontinued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14883/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, continues to operate under pressure in meeting the accommodation and ancillary needs of asylum seekers against a backdrop of a severe shortage of suitable accommodation of every type in the State. The number of asylum seekers currently accommodated is more than 8,000.

Against this background, the RIA entered into a short-term contract for the provision of emergency full board accommodation at the Mount Trenchard hostel in Foynes. The hostel is used to accommodate asylum seekers who have made an application for leave to remain in the State on the basis of an Irish-born child. It is anticipated that all such applications will have been processed by the end of June. The majority of residents at the centre have submitted asylum applications between six and 24 months ago and had previously been accommodated in RIA accommodation. However, they subsequently abandoned the accommodation originally provided and have recently returned seeking to be re-accommodated. There is a free crèche provided for children on site for three mornings each week and the RIA has provided a bus service that runs four times per day, Monday to Friday, and twice per day, Saturday and Sunday, into Foynes; three times per week into Newcastle West; and once per week into Limerick city. In addition, residents can avail of the normal Bus Éireann service that passes within close proximity of the centre. The local support group visits the centre on a weekly basis and has plans to provide English classes, musical therapy sessions and other activities for residents.

The RIA understands from local medical personnel that there was no reason to suspect that the recent outbreak of illness was connected to the water supply. Some residents in the centre did receive medical treatment for sickness or vomiting. However, the RIA has been informed that the medical personnel who attended the residents returned to the centre to advise residents and management of the position and that the symptoms were not serious.

I am informed by the RIA that there has been a recent issue in relation to water pressure or supply from a local well. This matter was appropriately addressed by the contractor who consulted with the local Health Service Executive. In addition to procedures undertaken to flush out the well, a new water pump was installed to remedy the problem. A UV light water treatment plant has also been installed and continues to be tested. This treatment plant is due to come into operation after 10 May. Bottled drinking water is being made available for the residents on a 24-hour basis in the interim.

As in all accommodation centres that house asylum seekers, medical services, education etc. are made available to residents on the same basis as for the indigenous population. All contractors are obliged, on foot of their memorandum of agreement with the RIA, to ensure that their premises complies with and operates in accordance with all relevant statutory requirements of local authorities pertaining to planning, building, by-laws, bedroom capacity, food, food hygiene, water supply, sewage disposal, fire precautions, and general safety, including: European Communities (Hygiene of Foodstuffs) Regulations 2000; European Communities (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations 1998; Fire Services Act 1981; Food Hygiene Regulations 1950 to 1989; Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act 1989; Housing Acts 1966 to 2002; Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002; Drinking Water Regulations 1988; Employment Permit Act 2003; Tourist Traffic Acts 1939 to 1995; and any statutory modification or re-enactment of same and any other relevant Act or Regulations as may be notified by the Minister to the proprietor or contractor.

The memorandum of agreement places other obligations on the contractor in respect of reception, management and staff issues, menus and food for infants and schoolgoing children, maintenance of the property and fire and safety standards. It is the policy of the RIA to conduct regular comprehensive inspections on properties used to house asylum seekers. These inspections are carried out internally by RIA staff and externally by an independent company who have stated experience in hazard and critical control point, HACCP, analysis and fire safety. In addition, all premises are subject to inspection by the local environmental health officer and fire officer.

Having regard to severe constraints under which the RIA continues to operate, it has no plans at this point in time to discontinue use of the hostel. Transfer applications from residents are processed in the normal manner and will be considered in the light of the personal circumstances of the applicant and the availability of alternative accommodation.