Thursday, September 24th Response from Dept.

Justice

1. What is the current situation regarding implementation of the

recommendations of the working group into the protection process/
Direct Provision etc?
A: The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Social Policy established a
Task Force under the Minister of State Aodhan O'Riordain to find
ways to assist people granted status in Direct provision to move
out and integrate into the community. This Task Force will report
shortly. The Minister for Health has in line with the Reports
recommendations exempted people living in Direct provision from
prescription charges and the Minister for Education and Skills has
announced details of a scheme supporting certain students in the
protection system to access third level education this year. The
Minister for Justice and Equality asked all relevant government
departments to respond to the recommendations of the Working
Group and these responses are being collated and analysed at
present.
2. I understand INIS is conducting a review currently of the impact of
some of the recommendations - can you tell me what the remit of this
review is and the timeline for completion?
A: As the Minister for Justice and Equality asked all relevant
government departments to respond to the recommendations of
the Working Group, the Department is also giving detailed
consideration to the recommendations and their implementation.
3. Given that one of the recommendations relates to persons in DP of 5
years or more, what suggestion do you give to persons currently with
cases before the Supreme and High Courts. Should these cases be
dropped?
A: It would be inappropriate for the Department to offer any advice
to people involved in matters before the courts.This matter should
be referred to their legal representatives.
4. Can you tell me how many persons have received subsidiary

protection status in 2015 so far and in 2014?

2014 - 257
2015 (to end Aug) - 184
5. Can you tell me how many persons have been granted refugee status
in 2014 and 2015?
2014 - 216
2015 (to end Aug) - 195