Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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153. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration will be given to moving a family (details supplied) in Dublin 22 from a one-room hostel accommodation to Watergate Apartments where its will have more space and will be able to cook its own meals. [4539/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. Direct provision provides for full board accommodation supports while a final decision is awaited by a person on their asylum and related applications.

The family referred to in the details supplied comprise a father, mother and three small children. The father only presented for direct provision accommodation in December, 2013 to join his wife and children who had been accommodated there for some time previously and his request was granted. To date, no transfer request has been received by RIA in respect of this family.

If the family wish to be accommodated at an alternative accommodation centre, they should apply in writing to the Reception and Integration Agency at PO Box 11487, Dublin 2. In relation to Watergate House accommodation centre, this is a self-catering facility which is designated for cases where there is an exceptional need: for example, serious medical concerns. There is no suitable accommodation for this size of family at Watergate House at present and no documentation has been provided to support an exceptional need in this instance.

If the family choose to apply for a transfer from Clondalkin accommodation centre, RIA will look at alternative accommodation options around the country for the family and respond directly to the family.