Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 212: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his Department's plans for the new accommodation centre for asylum seekers in Clondalkin village; the length of time such a facility is expected to be open for; the final capacity envisaged; the consultation that has taken place with the local community; the consultation that has taken place with South Dublin County Council; if planning applications were submitted or needed to be submitted; the consultation that has taken place with the Department of Education and Science regarding the provision of additional school places, including language support and possibly special educational need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35109/06]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) has entered into a contract for the accommodation of asylum seekers at the Towers in Clondalkin, Dublin 22. The contract will expire on 24th December 2012. The capacity of the centre is 250 persons.

It was not possible to engage in any advance consultation process with local service providers (including the Department of Education and Science) until such time as the acquisition of the property was completed and a contract with RIA was in place. Discussions have since opened with the relevant support groups and service providers and will intensify over the coming weeks.

Under the terms of the contract, it is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that the premises complies and operates in accordance with all relevant statutory requirements of Local Authorities and other Agencies in relation to planning, building, by-laws, bedroom capacity, food, food hygiene, water supply, sewage disposal, fire precautions and general safety.