Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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820. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality when self-catering facilities will be in operation in a centre (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28064/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is working closely with the Office of Public Works (OPW) on this matter and communal catering facilities will be introduced at the centre in question as soon as possible.

The Programme for Partnership Government outlines the government's commitment to reforming the system, with particular focus on families and children. This follows on from the recommendation from the McMahon Report which stated that all families should have access to cooking facilities (whether in a self-contained unit or through use of a communal kitchen).

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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821. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will define self-catering facilities in direct provision centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28065/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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There are two accommodation centres being used by my Department for the accommodation of persons in the protection process which can be classified as "self-catering". Persons accommodated in these centres are provided with accommodation for themselves and, if appropriate, their families. They are paid a higher rate of payment by the Department of Social Protection than persons in other accommodation centres. However they are responsible for the provision and cooking of their own food and light and heat. Laundry and rent expenses continue to be paid for by the State. In all other respects they are generally entitled to the same benefits (such as medical card and exemption from prescription charges) as other persons in the protection process.

There is also a system of independent living available to residents in Mosney and Ballyhaunis and this will be extended in due course to other accommodation centres in accordance with the Programme for a Partnership Government. In these centres residents are able to acquire food and other products through a food hall and prepare meals for their families as they wish. Residents in other centres are provided with food in a communal setting. All other services in State provided accommodation centres are provided by the relevant contractor as part of the contract with my Department.