Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 236: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way in which persons who are seeking regularisation of their status are allocated to hostels for the duration of this assessment; the method of tendering for such hostels; the selection process; the criteria; the guideline costings; and details of such allocations as have been made from the beginning of the scheme. [46919/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is the body responsible for providing accommodation for asylum seekers. RIA currently operates 54 accommodation centres across 21 counties. Of these, 17 centres are designated for single persons only while 35 provide accommodation either solely for families, or are mixed-use centres housing both families and single persons in separate units. The 2 remaining centres are Reception Centres in Dublin where all asylum seekers are accommodated initially for a few weeks prior to being dispersed around the country.

Since its inception in April 2000, RIA has made over 53,000 allocations across its accommodation portfolio. RIA has to have regard to the Government policy of dispersal which means that, as far as practicable, asylum seekers are accommodated evenly throughout the State. All allocations are made on a case by case basis. Where an asylum seeker is dispersed to is determined by a number of factors. These include the profile, age and size of the family unit concerned; whether there are any specific health, educational or other needs involved; and where available vacancies exist at the time of dispersal. RIA policy is to ensure, wherever possible or practicable, that all family members of an applicant are accommodated together.

On an annual basis, the RIA places advertisements seeking applications for expressions of interest from persons who wish to offer services relating to the provision of asylum seeker accommodation. It should be noted that, in fulfilling its general accommodation responsibilities, the RIA does not 'lease' premises from commercial contractors. Rather it 'contracts-in' a comprehensive range of services, which include accommodation, catering, housekeeping, etc., for a fixed period of time. The assessments made in relation to those who offer such services take into account such matters as the likely capacity of the potential provider to provide the full range of services required, the cost of the services, and the location of the service on offer, having regard to dispersal policy referred to above.

The RIA endeavours to achieve the best value for money in relation to such contracts, in respect of which negotiations can take place with a number of commercial entities. While it is not possible, for reasons of commercial confidentiality, to give details of individual contracts, I can say that the average daily rate paid to contractors in respect of types of centres - reception, accommodation and self catering - is €30 per person.