Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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107. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to address the lack of privacy in direct accommodation, particularly for young women and girls; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47466/17]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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The on-going implementation of the McMahon Report recommendations in relation to the facilities in State provided accommodation is contributing to greater privacy and autonomy for all residents, including young women and girls.  To date, improved facilities have been or are being implemented in Ballyhaunis and Mosney (full independent living and food hall), Milstreet (independent living and food hall being implemented) Monaghan (communal catering), Athlone (refurbishment of all homes), Clonakilty (communal catering). This work will continue across all centres as resources allow so that we continue to meet the basic needs of protection applicants in a cost effective manner.

Where these facilities have not yet been implemented in an accommodation centre, every family has their own sleeping accommodation in the respective accommodation centre in which they live.

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is a demand led organisation.  It is currently providing accommodation for almost 4,870 persons.  The composition of protection applicants requiring RIA accommodation (in terms of  individuals / couples / families) is dynamic which means that the process of matching the facilities and accommodation available to the changing requirements of those in need of accommodation is an ongoing exercise.

A large proportion of the protection applicants requiring RIA accommodation are single persons.  Single persons are accommodated in RIA in shared rooms with other persons of the same gender.  Most single persons will share with one to two other persons  and the large majority have access to en-suite or dedicated bathrooms.

Children are only provided with RIA accommodation as part of a family unit.  When allocating accommodation to families, the family make up (including number, ages and gender of children) is taken into consideration and where appropriate interconnecting rooms are provided.