John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 201: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the arrangements being put in place to allow a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny to stay in Kilkenny after a hostel closes; if persons living in the hostel who want to remain in Kilkenny will be accommodated by arranging private rented accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11149/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department has a contract in place for the accommodation of asylum seekers at the Ormonde Hostel in Kilkenny until 9th May, 2007. After that time the premises will no longer be available for this purpose as the contractors have decided not to renew the contract. Obviously this decision is regrettable for the RIA but also for the residents of the centre who will have to be moved to alternative suitable accommodation.

All State service providers (e.g., HSE, Department of Social and Family Affairs) have been advised of the closure of this centre so that they can prepare for the necessary adjustments to the provision of their services. In addition, the local support group, who have provided on-going support and assistance to the many residents who have resided at the centre since it first opened in December 2000, has also been advised of the closure.

The Deputy will appreciate that the residents of this accommodation centre are involved in a process to determine the outcome of their claim for asylum in the State. Under a Government decision it was decided that all applicants for asylum would have their needs met through the system of direct provision. Direct provision is the means by which the State discharges its obligations to provide for the basic requirements of asylum seekers and represents, for the most part, a cashless system with suitable accommodation being provided on a full board basis. This system does not provide or arrange for private rented accommodation. In the event of a positive determination of refugee status, the residents will be free to reside in Kilkenny or anywhere else in the State.

In the meantime, residents will be offered alternative RIA accommodation nearer to the date of closure. As the availability of accommodation at any one time is governed by a range of factors, including the numbers and class (i.e., single/families/couples) of persons requiring accommodation, the RIA is not in a position to offer specific accommodation to the residents of this centre at this time.