Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 542: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to review the asylum direct provision system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14217/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers through the policy of direct provision. Direct provision is the means by which the State discharges its obligations to provide for the basic requirements of asylum seekers. For the most part, this represents a cashless system with the State assuming responsibility for providing suitable accommodation and certain other services on a full board basis.

Direct provision was introduced on 10 April, 2000 and brought Ireland into line with best practice in other EU Member States, including the United Kingdom. It is widely accepted that a harmonised approach to the provision of accommodation and ancillary services for asylum seekers is by far the best approach and I believe the system of direct provision represents a fair and effective means of meeting the needs of this group.

At end March 2008, the RIA's accommodation portfolio comprised 63 accommodation units across 22 counties accommodating 6,800 persons representing 96 different nationalities. The Deputy might wish to note that the RIA has accommodated just under 49,000 asylum seekers since 2000.

All accommodation costs, together with the costs of meals, heat, light, laundry and maintenance are paid directly by the State. Asylum seekers in direct provision accommodation also receive an allowance which has been assessed to take into account any benefit and privilege, including full board and lodging, provided through direct provision arrangements.

In addition to full board accommodation, the RIA provides a number of ancillary services to asylum seekers in direct provision accommodation. All asylum seekers are offered free medical screening on arrival in the State. The State provides access to health services for asylum seekers on the same basis as for Irish citizens. Asylum seekers in direct provision accommodation will generally qualify for a medical card whereby they are eligible to receive a wide range of health services free-of-charge including GP services and prescribed medicines. Other HSE-provided supports include Public Health Nurse and Community Welfare Supports as well as a dedicated asylum seeker psychological service.

Asylum seeker children are entitled to access free Primary and Post-Primary education on the same basis as an Irish citizen. In addition, English language supports are made available to adult asylum seekers; in some cases facilities are provided on-site in RIA accommodation centres for such classes. At a number of centres, the RIA has provided facilities for on-site preschool services which, in addition to engaging children, allow parents to pursue other activities such as English language supports.

In communities where direct provision accommodation centres are located, the RIA and the management of such centres seek to engage with local service providers and assist local support groups in their interaction with the asylum seekers resident at those centres. Funding to assist local support groups is made available through the 'Asylum Seeker Supports Small Grant Scheme'.

In relation to the standard of accommodation provided in direct provision, the deputy may wish to note that all accommodation providers are required under contract to ensure that accommodation centres comply and operate in accordance with all statutory requirements of local authorities and state agencies in relation to bedroom capacity, food, food-hygiene, water supply, fire safety and general safety.

In addition, all operators are required to offer menus which reflect the reasonable ethnic dietary customs of asylum seekers. There are 96 nationalities with hugely divergent food and ethnic needs accommodated by the Agency at present and in all the large centres, 56-day menu cycles are in place. Other centres, depending on their size, operate 28-day and 14-day menu cycles. In addition, particular emphasis is placed on meeting, to the greatest extent possible, specific needs of asylum seekers. For example, special arrangements are made to cater for the needs of Muslims observing Ramadan.

The Agency engages independent external assessors to conduct comprehensive inspections of all centres on at least an annual basis. These inspections are always unannounced and the inspectors look at all aspects of the accommodation centres in relation to the proprietors' obligations under the contract. These inspections cover such areas as reception, staff cover, menus, facilities being provided, maintenance of the property and fire and safety issues. In addition, the Agency has an internal Inspections Unit which conducts inspections of each of the properties used to accommodate asylum seekers at least on a twice yearly basis. Further unannounced visits are made to accommodation centres throughout the State on a regular basis by senior management to ensure that standards are being maintained. Staff from the Agency hold information clinics on a regular basis in accommodation centres which afford asylum seekers an opportunity to comment on accommodation and operating standards and to discuss other general issues.

Any diminution in standards which comes to the attention of the RIA is immediately followed up and proprietors are instructed to make any changes and improvements deemed necessary. Follow-up inspections are also arranged as appropriate. In cases where standards stipulated in the contract have not been met and the proprietor has not made sufficient efforts to remedy the situation, the contract may be terminated.

I would strongly contend that the treatment of asylum seekers in this country is, at a minimum, on a par with the best on offer in this context anywhere in the EU. I would further contend that the direct provision system delivers a high standard of service, a consistent standard of service and value for money to the taxpayer through coordinated service delivery to asylum seekers. I do not believe that any alternative model would deliver the same level and consistency of service to asylum seekers. While the operation of direct provision is being constantly monitored, and is kept under continuous review in my Department, I have no intention of seeking a change in direct provision policy at this time.