Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum seekers in direct provision accommodation in 2007, 2008 and forecast for 2009; the budget for direct provision accommodation in 2007, 2008 and for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5175/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. At 31 December, 2007 the RIA was providing accommodation for 6,625 persons; at 31 December 2008 the figure was 7,002; and at 31 January 2009, the figure was 7,053. Due to the number and nature of the variables affecting the demand for RIA accommodation, it would not be possible to forecast future accommodation levels in 2009 with any degree of accuracy. Expenditure on RIA accommodation services in 2007 was €83.262m; in 2008 this was €91.472m. The budget provision for 2009 stands at €70.892m.