Written answers

Wednesday, 17 September 2014

Department of Justice and Equality

Direct Provision System

Photo of Ruth CoppingerRuth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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652. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the report, "What's food got to do with it: food experiences of asylum seekers in direct provision", published by Nasc; and the steps she will take to introduce self-catering and-or access to cooking facilities for those in direct provision accommodation. [34094/14]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) is a functional unit of the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department and is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers under the government policy of direct provision and dispersal. Currently, 4,311 persons are residing in 34 asylum accommodation centres under contract to RIA.

I am aware of the NASC publication earlier this year entitled "What's food got to do with it: Food experiences of Asylum Seekers in Direct Provision". The report in question indicates that the study was based on one to one interviews with twelve asylum seekers which were later analysed using interpretative analysis. The report accurately recounts the various means by which RIA seeks to ensure food quality and variety in centres: contractual obligation to provide varied menus and menu cycles, complaints procedures, independent inspections and so on - details of which have been given in previous replies to Dáil questions on this subject. But the report then goes on to say that the research indicates that many of these rules and conditions were not being met. I am advised by RIA that a very strong emphasis is placed on food provision in the Direct Provision system and neither the independent inspection reports (which are published on the RIA website www.ria.gov,ie) nor the engagement of other State bodies outside the Department of Justice and Equality - such as the HSE, Public Health Nurses and Environmental Health Officers - would support the contention that the above conditions are not being met.

The Direct Provision system has, of necessity, only a small number of self catering facilities and the provision of communal cooking areas is not part of the Direct Provision remit of RIA and would, in any event, involve considerable structural change to its current contracted portfolio all of which would involve revised planning permission. Nonetheless, the report will inform RIA in its continuous attempt to improve conditions in centres.

I should also mention in this context that the Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 includes a commitment to "...establish an independent Working Group to report to Government on improvements with the protection process, including Direct Provision and supports for asylum seekers".My intention is to proceed with the establishment of that Working Group in the near future whose mandate will include reporting back to Government on improvements in relation to direct provision. I am, in advance of the Working Group, holding a Round Table on 19 September to provide non-governmental organisations active in the field of asylum the opportunity to outline the key issues for them in relation to the State's current arrangements for asylum seekers, probably including food provision. I also intend to use the outcome of that meeting to inform the terms of the Working Group.

Photo of Ruth CoppingerRuth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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653. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will end the practice of curfews in direct provision accommodation; and her views on whether such a practice is contrary to the dignity and autonomy of residents. [34095/14]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) is a functional unit of the Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service (INIS) of my Department and is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers under the government policy of direct provision and dispersal. Currently, 4,311 persons are residing in 34 asylum accommodation centres under contract to RIA.

RIA's House Rules and Procedures provides for a limit on the times when a visitor can be in the centre and this is plainly necessary for the good order of the centre. Otherwise, there are no 'curfews' in accommodation centres for asylum seekers.

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