Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will authorise a transfer to alternative accommodation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17113/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Reception and Integration Agency is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision. The RIA currently has a portfolio of 63 centres across 22 counties, accommodating over 6,850 persons representing 96 nationalities.

By way of background, the Deputy may wish to note that the person referred to in the details supplied applied for asylum on 6 June 2006 along with her spouse. The child referred to was born on 19 September 2006. Both mother and child are currently being accommodated at the Eyre Powell accommodation centre in Newbridge. This person's spouse is being accommodated at another centre.

Both mother and child were provided accommodation in Eyre Powell accommodation centre from 15 June 2007 and were facilitated with a room to themselves from 14 August 2007.

The correspondence referred to in the details supplied refers to the standard of accommodation being provided to this family at Eyre Powell accommodation centre, although it clearly indicates that the person writing the letter has not seen the accommodation in question. In relation to the standard of accommodation provided in direct provision generally, 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.

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 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.

The RIA has made every effort to facilitate this family and is satisfied that the separate accommodation provided at Eyre Powell accommodation centre represents the best solution available within the RIA's portfolio of direct provision accommodation at this time. Furthermore, it should be noted that the RIA has received no formal application for a transfer from this person.