Written answers

Tuesday, 2 July 2019

Department of Justice and Equality

International Protection

Photo of John BradyJohn Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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354. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if asylum seekers in temporary accommodation are supported to begin the process of applying for refugee status; the average waiting time for process by the RIA of new applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28279/19]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I can advise the Deputy that the State provides support for all protection applicants in making an application for international protection, regardless of their place of residence. There are specific arrangements for unaccompanied minors who are in the care of Tusla who make an application on their behalf.

Applicants are required to attend for preliminary interview with staff of the International Protection Office (IPO). During this interview the applicant will, where necessary and possible, have the assistance of an interpreter. If the person's application is deemed to be admissible, the person is given a questionnaire to complete. All applicants are entitled to free legal aid from the Refugee Legal Service, once they have made an initial application. The applicant will then have a substantive interview after submitting a completed questionnaire to the IPO. The applicant will have the benefit of an interpreter to ensure they can ably communicate their claim to the interviewer.

Photo of John BradyJohn Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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355. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if children in temporary centres are provided with school placement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28280/19]

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Children of international protection applicants who are residing in emergency accommodation can access school places in local primary and post-primary schools in the same manner as the general population. They can also avail of the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, which is administered by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

While an international protection claim is being examined, accommodation and related services are offered as a whole-of-Government approach to anyone without means. This includes all meals, medical care and utilities. A weekly personal allowance is paid to each person by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and they can also cover exceptional needs. The Department of Education and Skills provides school places for children residents and the HSE provides mainstreamed health services.

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