John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 130: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a submission made by Dóchas, Kilkenny, on behalf of a number of residents of a hostel (details supplied) in County Kilkenny, who wish to remain in Kilkenny following the closure of the hostel will be given positive consideration by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14362/07]

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 9 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.

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. Officials from the Reception and Integration Agency visited the Ormonde Accommodation Centre to ascertain each resident's preference for alternative accommodation within the Reception and Integration accommodation portfolio. At this stage all residents have been made initial offers of alternative accommodation. Many of the residents have been offered their first accommodation preference and have taken up their new accommodation. All other residents will be moved by the date of closure on 9 May, 2007 and every effort will be made to facilitate their accommodation requests.