Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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11. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will consider closing the 34 direct provision centres in the State and putting an end to the institutionalisation that is having such a detrimental effect on the lives of asylum seekers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35426/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of protection applicants 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 protection or any related leave to remain application. Currently, 4,330 persons are residing in 34 asylum accommodation centres under contract to RIA. The numbers of asylum seekers residing in direct provision has reduced significantly in recent years. The current figure of 4,330 compared to the numbers residing in direct provision at its highest point in April, 2005 (8,080), shows that there has been a reduction of 46%, or 3,750 persons, in the intervening period. The decline in numbers seeking accommodation is matched by a decline in the number of accommodation centres needed. For example, in the period 2009 to date, RIA has reduced its accommodation portfolio from 60 centres to 34. The last centre closed was Cliffview in Donegal town in July, 2013.

The Deputy will be aware from my answer to Question 35740/14 today as to how the Government intends to give effect to the commitment in the Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 in relation to the protection process, including direct provision.

The intention in prioritising the International Protection Bill is to reduce the length of time an applicant spends in the protection system through the establishment of a single applications procedure. It would also be my intention that that issue of the length of time that persons spend in direct provision would be addressed by the Working Group which is being established.

The intention more generally will be to focus on achieving improvements in the direct provision system as it currently operates which will bring real benefits to those living there.