Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 174: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his policy on the provision of communal areas, other than kitchens, in self-catering accommodation provided to asylum seekers; the policy in relation to the provision of family supports for asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13671/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers primarily through the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. Under direct provision, asylum seekers are provided with full board accommodation and ancillary services.

In addition to direct provision accommodation, the Agency operates a very limited number of self-catering accommodation centres in certain parts of the country. I am informed that they currently accommodate over 6,800 residents of whom approximately 500 live in self-catering centres. There are 8 such self-catering centres which are, in effect, apartments where residents live independently. In these circumstances, the question of providing additional communal areas does not arise.

With regard to the provision of family supports for asylum seekers, I am informed that these are provided by the Health Service Executive to all on the same basis regardless of status in relation to asylum.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 175: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding options open to support groups, play-schools and other agencies to establish communal areas, family supports and childcare to children of asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13672/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Funding is available from the Vote of the Office of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform through the 'Asylum Seeker Supports Small Grant Scheme' details of which are available on the website of the Reception and Integration Agency (www.ria.gov.ie). This scheme provides funding to locally-based organisations which befriend, support and involve asylum seekers living in direct provision in the local community. The aim of the scheme is to promote interaction between asylum seekers and the local communities through providing supports for intercultural events and activities.

In a small number of Direct Provision centres, RIA has assisted in the provision of finance for preschool services, the continuation of which funding will be the subject of ongoing discussions involving, inter alia, the HSE.