Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 704: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will authorise the transfer of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to accommodation more adjacent to the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin for the duration of her pregnancy in view of medical information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15015/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The reception and integration agency, RIA, is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers through the policy of direct provision and dispersal. The RIA operates a transfer system for direct provision residents. All asylum seekers accommodated by the RIA are aware of this arrangement and can channel any transfer requests directly to the RIA through this system.

The lady in question gave birth on 27 April 2005 and has been resident at the RIA accommodation centre at the Eyre Powell Hotel, Newbridge since May 2005. I understand the RIA has recently received a request for a transfer to accommodation closer to maternity services from this lady on the grounds that she is pregnant again and needs to be re-accommodated in Dublin city.

The medical correspondence referred to by the Deputy relates to her previous pregnancy. The lady has not provided the RIA with any up to date correspondence from the Rotunda Hospital or any other maternity service to support her transfer request. Her request will be considered as soon as appropriate documentation is received by the RIA.