Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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146. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps being taken to address capacity issues in direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39043/18]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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The provision of accommodation and related ancillary services provided to persons seeking international protection is managed by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) within my Department. Persons who are seeking international protection are offered accommodation and, if accepted, are provided with accommodation in one of 35 accommodation centres located throughout the state.

To meet the steady increase in demand, RIA has added a net 646 beds to its portfolio over the last twelve months, including the opening of new centres in Lisdoonvarna and Moate and by expanding capacity in existing centres. Notwithstanding this increase, demand for bedspaces continues to rise and RIA have reported that they are operating close to full capacity.

to alleviate this pressure, RIA has recently advertised for expressions of interest for suitable accommodation premises for an initial 1 year period. This is an addition to an advertisement that issued in January 2018. In addition, RIA have launched a full tender process for accommodation services over a longer term. A full procurement programme covering the whole of the state is being rolled out in conjunction with the Office of Government Procurement.

RIA have also provided support services to enable those residents who have received status or a permission to remain, to access permanent housing outside of RIA's accommodation services. This programme is based around the Greater Dublin and Eastern Region and discussions with other approved housing bodies are on-going to extend this service throughout the country.