Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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133. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding direct provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27524/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I have read the letter attached to this Dáíl Question from a Kerry resident in which concern is expressed about the direct provision system of accommodation for protection applicants while a final decision is awaited on their protection or any related leave to remain application. The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for operation of the direct provision system. As of 8 June 2014, there were 4,353 persons availing of direct provision accommodation and supports in 34 accommodation centres across 16 counties Since the system was introduced, over 52,000 protection applicants have been accommodated by RIA.

Extensive information is available on the RIA website - - about the system of direct provision, including information regarding the inspection regime to ensure standards are maintained in centres, about RIA's Child Protection policy and about the complaints procedures in centres. I accept that the direct provision system is not ideal and I further acknowledge that the length of time that residents spend in Direct Provision is an issue to be addressed. My immediate priority is that the factors which lead to delays in the processing of cases are dealt with so that protection seekers spend as little time as necessary in direct provision.

A key priority for this Government is legislative reform aimed at establishing a single application procedure for the investigation of all grounds for protection and any other grounds presented by applicants seeking to remain in the State. Such reform would substantially simplify and streamline the existing arrangements by removing the current multi-layered and sequential processes and provide applicants with a final decision on their application in a more straightforward and timely fashion. In consultation with my officials, I am reviewing the work done to date in respect of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill and will then decide on how best to progress the implementation of the Government's priorities, in particular to expedite those relating to the establishment of a single application procedure.