Written answers

Tuesday, 4 November 2014

Department of Justice and Equality

Direct Provision System

Photo of Thomas PringleThomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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506. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality when the direct provision working group is due to meet; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41283/14]

Photo of Frances FitzgeraldFrances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The first meeting of the Working Group to report to Government on improvements to the protection process, including direct provision and supports to asylum seekers, will take place on Monday 10 November 2014. I will be in attendance at that meeting and look forward to the work of the Group getting underway.

[As the Deputy will be aware the establishment of the Group arises from the Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016 and follows on from a roundtable consultation on the protection process with non-governmental organisations which I hosted with my colleague the Minister of State, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin in September. The Group under the Chairmanship of retired High Court Judge, Bryan McMahon is tasked with identifying practical improvements to the direct provision system and supports for protection applicants that show greater respect for the dignity of persons in the system and improve their quality of life. The Group has also been tasked with identifying improvements to existing arrangements for the processing of protection applications taking account of the Government's commitment to legislate for a single application procedure. All recommendations are, of course, subject to the need to ensure that the overall cost of the protection system to the taxpayer is reduced or remains within or close to current levels and existing border controls and immigration procedures are not compromised.

The task facing the Group is a challenging one requiring consideration and evaluation of a wide range of issues and complex policy questions. I am, however, confident that the membership of the Group, with its varied composition and expertise will come forward with a set of practical recommendations to Government to address the many concerns that have featured in commentary on the system in recent times.]

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