Work Programme

This Work Programme has been prepared in accordance with the terms of reference agreed by the Government and taking account of the Ministerial Roundtable Consultations with NGOs held on 18 September 2014.

The work will be approached on a thematic basis. Three themes have been identified from the terms of reference.

Theme 1 Improvements to the direct provision system (i.e. living conditions while in designated centres) aimed at showing greater respect for the dignity of persons in the system and improving their quality of life.

Theme 2 Improved supports (e.g. financial, educational, health) for protection applicants aimed at showing greater respect for the dignity of persons in the system and improving their quality of life.

Theme 3 Improvements to existing arrangements for the processing of protection applications with particular regard to the length of the process.

All recommendations for improvements are subject to the need to ensure that:

• in light of the budgetary realities, the overall cost of the protection system to the taxpayer is reduced or remains within or close to current levels
• the direct provision system remains a ‘whole of Government’ responsibility
• existing border controls and immigration procedures are not compromised

It is acknowledged that there is some overlap between the themes. The working methods adopted by the Group will facilitate crossover between the discussions of the themes where necessary.

The following topics are suggested for consideration by the Working Group with a view to identifying practical measures that can be taken in the short and longer term to improve the experience of protection applicants in direct provision centres:

• policy governing the transfer of residents between centres
• complaints process available to residents
• system for monitoring centres /sanctions for breach of contractual obligations by centres and mechanisms for dealing with breaches by residents of RIA house rules
• arrangements for families within centres

a) sleeping /living arrangements for families with young children, families with teenage children.

b) Play/homework/study facilities for young children /teenagers

c) Child safety and protection

• arrangements for single adults within centres

a) Sleeping/living arrangements

• catering facilities within centres in the context of direct provision

a) Nature and variety of foods

b) Scope for residents to prepare their own meals within existing or new physical structures

• Whether limitations should be placed on the length of time persons spend in the direct provision system
• Training of staff within centres

The following topics are suggested for consideration by the Working Group with a view to identifying practical measures that can be taken in the short and longer term to improve the supports for protection applicants in direct provision centres:

• financial supports

a) cope to increase the weekly allowance paid to residents

b) access to discretionary social protection supports

• access to the labour market
• access to education opportunities
• improved linkages with local communities
• mental health supports to residents including survivors of torture and others experiencing post
• traumatic stress disorder
• services relating to sexual health
• supports for residents who are LGBTI
• training of other persons e.g. members of the Garda Síochána to ensure that they are equipped to deal with specific issues affecting applicants
• transitional supports for aged-out minors entering the system from Tusla care
• transitional supports for persons granted status including ease of access to mainstream State services.

The Government is committed to legislating for a single application procedure. The legislation will be forward-looking; applicants awaiting a final determination (grant of status or deportation order) on the commencement of the new regime will have their cases determined under existing arrangements, although the possibility of applying the single procedure to certain of those applicants is under consideration.

With this in mind the following topics have been identified for consideration by the Working Group with a view to identifying practical measures to support:

• quality decision-making including:

a) supports to assist applicants in putting forward their case fully at the earliest possible stage

b) supports to assist vulnerable applicants, including victims of torture, to put forward their case fully at the earliest possible stage

• improved processing times at all stages - first instance and appeal for both refugee and subsidiary protection applications and ‘leave to remain’ consideration
• the early conclusion of judicial review applications
• the efficient operation of the deportation process including

a) option of voluntary return before order is signed and engagement of International Organisation for Migration

b) the situation of persons with deportation orders which have not been effected within a 12 month period

• communications to applicants at all stages of the process, including those with judicial reviews and/or deportation

Consultation is now closed.