Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Question 145: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the appeal procedures which exist for refugee and asylum seekers who have been asked to leave designated accommodation centres. [15886/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The reception and integration agency is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers through the policy of direct provision and dispersal. The RIA is not responsible for the provision of accommodation to refugees. Persons with refugee status have the same housing entitlements as Irish citizens and as such, do not fall within the remit of the RIA or any other agency of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for the provision of designated accommodation. At the end March 2006, the RIA's accommodation portfolio comprised 63 accommodation units across 22 counties, accommodating approximately 4,900 persons and 92 different nationalities.

Every asylum seeker accommodated by the RIA is provided with a copy of the Direct Provision Reception and Accommodation Centre Services, Rules and Procedures. This booklet is available in six languages, including English and includes information on services provided at centres, house rules, complaints procedures, child protection and fire safety. I am arranging for a copy of this booklet in English to be sent to the Deputy for his information.

While the RIA and centre managers endeavour and succeed in the main to resolve issues arising at centres in an informal way, formal warnings are issued where required and appropriate action taken if these warnings are not heeded. The RIA is primarily concerned for the safety of all residents and staff at accommodation and reception centres. In particular, the protection of children is paramount. In that regard, violence and personal and racist abuse towards fellow residents, staff and, above all, children is unacceptable to the RIA and will be met with swift and decisive action in order to protect the safety of those affected. Where the actions of an individual are such that the safety of residents and or staff at any centre would be jeopardised by the placement of that person back in RIA accommodation, the RIA cannot agree to such a placement.

It should be noted that incidents of such a serious nature as to lead to an asylum seeker being excluded from RIA accommodation are extremely rare. Nonetheless, it is necessary on occasions for the RIA to expel an individual from an accommodation centre. The circumstances in which this can occur are detailed in section 3.22 of the rules. The RIA will, as a matter of course, consider any request for the reinstatement of an individual so expelled. However, the RIA have a duty of care towards residents and staff of accommodation centres and, in order to be reinstated in a RIA accommodation centre, the individual concerned would have to entirely satisfy the RIA that they no longer posed a threat to the safety and welfare of residents and staff.

The Deputy might also wish to note that the RIA has accommodated just under 42,000 asylum seekers since 2000 and the overwhelming majority of these residents have spent their time in RIA accommodation in a peaceful and satisfactory fashion. Residents are facilitated with additional on-site supports such as GP and public health nurse services, community welfare, pre-school facilities, play facilities and English language supports. Furthermore, local support groups play an active role with residents and greatly assist them during their time in direct provision accommodation and beyond.