Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the recent report from free legal advice centre which was critical of the direct provision system for asylum seekers; if he has plans to review the system in view of the FLAC report's findings; if, in particular, he will consider some increase in the weekly financial allowance which has not been increased for more than ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12995/10]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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This question relates to a publication issued recently by the Free Legal Advice Centre (FLAC) on the Government's direct provision system, the means by which the State discharges its obligations to provide accommodation and sustenance to asylum seekers while their applications are considered. My general response to this publication was given in my reply to Dáil Questions 217, 218 and 219 on 10 March, 2010.

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers through the policy of direct provision. 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. The direct provision allowance, which is the specific focus of this question, seeks to reflect the value of the above-mentioned services to the asylum seeker and I have no plans to alter the amount currently being paid. The allowance was introduced some years ago and is paid by Community Welfare Officers (operating under the aegis of the Department of Social and Family Affairs) who also have the discretion to make once-off exceptional needs payments in special situations.

I am satisfied that the level of service and support provided to asylum seekers by the State through the direct provision structure caters for all needs and is a generous system which compares very favourably with other similar services provided throughout the EU. The policy and practice of direct provision are effective and ensure that the State can meet its obligations towards asylum seekers.