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Information Note
Reception and Integration Agency
Additional questions
1. Is the contract signed?
a. The Minster for Justice and Equality has concluded a contract
with the proprietors of the King Thomond Hotel.
2. Who decided Lisdoonvarna be a host village?
a. On 8th January 2018 RIA published a notice in the national
papers and the EU journal seeking expressions of interest from
businesses who were in apposition to offer full board
accommodation on behalf of the State to persons seeking
international protection. As a result of that call for
expressions of interest, the King Thomond was offered to the
Department.
3. Does Marcus White still own the hotel or has it been sold
recently?
a. We are not aware of any change in the ownership of the hotel.
4. Who is expected to sign a contract to feed and care for the
asylum seekers?
a. The contract covers full board and accommodation for all
residents in the accommodation centre in hotel type
environment.
5. Is there a per capita cut off on numbers housed? We would have
the highest ratio of locals to asylum seekers in the country. What
about population increase and support for new parents amongst
the asylum seekers?
a. No. There is no per capita limit. However in the case of
Lisdoonvarna it must be noted that there at least four hotels
operational for a good part of the year. Bearing in mind the
responses given to other questions, the addition of a maximum
of 115 persons over the course of a year should not put an
undue strain on existing resources and services
6. Why were we not consulted before last week? Why the secrecy?
a. The notices were published in the press on 8th January 2018
with a closing date of 26th January 2018. The contractual

discussions concluded on Friday 16th February. Public
representatives were notified on Tuesday 20th February. There
is no secrecy.
7. Can the implementation be put back a few months?
a. No. The only reason we have put back the opening by a week
is because of the current weather situation which in turn
prevents us from attending the meeting on Wednesday 28th
February. We still have an increasing demand for
accommodation.
8. Is the second group of 30 being deferred as promised?
a. Our intention is to accommodate 30 persons per month until
we have reached capacity at the accommodation centre.
9. Can the allocation be capped at 30?
a. The contract is for a maximum of 115 persons
10. Is planning secured for change of use?
a. This is an exempt development for planning purposes.
11. Has the fire officer inspected the premises to ensure all fire
regulations in relation to change of use are met?
a. The local authority has confirmed that there are no issues in
relation to the fire certification on this premises.
12. Will the asylum seekers be housed in Lisdoonvarna without
support?
a. No. Supports from Government office and agencies, NGOs,
volunteers and the local community will be provided (as is the
case right across all 34 accommodation centres around the
country).
13. Will they be provided with healthy, balanced meals? Do they have
a say in what their meals are?
a. It is a contractual requirement that meals are nutritional and
that the ethnic and cultural needs of the residents are met.
The menu runs on a 28 day cycle and includes vegetarian
options at all meals. Tea/Coffee and snacks are available on a
24/7 basis.

14. Will their participation in community activities be funded -
equipment, gear etc?
a. This will be examined on a case by case basis.
15. Will they receive counselling for psychological issues arising from
their experiences?
a. Please see the separate note below from the HSE about all
medical services.
16. Could there be opposing groups housed in the centre? Enemies?
a. No. RIA ensures that the allocation of persons to
accommodation centres takes account of ethnic, religious and
cultural issues. Having said that it is a requirement of all
residents to treat all other persons with dignity and respect.
17. What provision is there for language to enable integration?
a. English language training is provided on-site to adults by the
local ETB. English language supports are provided to school
children through the established EAL (English as an Additional
Language) support services in schools.
18. Can the residents cook for themselves?
a. All food is prepared and served by qualified hotel staff.
Residents will be consulted about their meals to ensure that
they are ethnically and culturally appropriate.
19. Can they look after the garden at the hotel or in the community?
a. If they wish to do so, why not!
20. Do the residents have basic family time such as sit down to a
meal together?
a. Yes – meal times are set to suit the residents within reason.
21. Can the residents volunteer in the community? During September
perhaps?
a. If they wish to do so – why not! Residents are free to come and
go from their accommodation as they wish. They are also free
to engage and participate in any aspect of community life as
they wish.
22. What will be done to stop them suffering from being stuck in a
hotel?

a. In all of our accommodation centres we have established a
group called “Friends of the Centre”. These groups comprise
local NGOs and volunteers (everything from football clubs to
homework clubs to poetry to painting and hand crafts) and
work with residents to establish friendships and activities.
23. Can the children join local clubs? Community games?
a. Yes. Subject to parental control (and all children are with
their parents) children are free to come and go from their
accommodation as they wish. They are also free to engage and
participate in any aspect of community life as they wish.
24. Can the residents work?
a. Persons who are in the protection process for more than nine
months and who have cooperated with the process will be
given an entitlement to access the labour market. This will be
introduced in June of 2018.
25. How do residents integrate elsewhere?
a. By joining local clubs, gyms, societies, sports etc. residents
are not detained in any way in the accommodation centre.
They are free to come and go from their accommodation as
they wish. They are also free to engage and participate in any
aspect of community life as they wish.
Questions about the people themselves.
26. Are there any asylum seekers who have been refused admission
elsewhere? In the UK?
a. No – all these persons have applied for international
protection in Ireland.
27. What nationality are they?
a. Applicants come from all over the world – Bangladesh,
Venezuela, DR Congo, Georgia, Zimbabwe, Kuwait, Mauritius
etc. In Ireland, there is a legal prohibition on identifying any
person as being an applicant for international protection.
28. Are they all families? How many are in family units?
a. Only families (or single females) will be accommodated in the
accommodation centres in Lisdoonvarna. Family units will be
quite small.

29. What is the age breakdown? Concerns about concentration of one
age group especially young males and orphans. Will our schools
be supported, given the resources and facilities they need? Will
they have help with language at school and other services?
a. As in all other accommodation centres, the Department of
Education and TUSLA will work with local schools to ensure
that all supports are provided. Specifically in relation to the
first group due to arrive on 12th March 2018 there are 7
children in total – 3 of whom are of primary school age and the
other four are under 4 years of age. All children are in the
care of their parents – there are no orphans. Concern about
facilities and infrastructure.
30. Will we get another doctor. Most doctors in North Clare are at
capacity?
medical services.
31. Will we have more Gardai and the station open?
a. The allocation of Gardaí is a matter for the Garda
Commissioner.
32. Will our health centre have additional support?
medical services.
33. Is their money paid through the post office and are more staff
planned for the post office?
a. Yes – staffing is a matter for the local post office.
34. What about visits from the Community and Welfare Service.?
a. The Community Welfare Service in the Department of
Employment Affairs & Social Protection will attend the centre
once a week to facilitate applications from residents. Staff
will be administering Direct Provision Allowance (DPA) to all
residents and will also be accepting and processing
applications for Exceptional Need as they arise.
35. Will our transport service be improved? There isn’t much to do in
Lisdoonvarna and they may wish to go further afield.

a. It is a requirement on the contractor to meet the reasonable
transport need of the residents. Any additional transport
needs will be organised locally to meet needs as they arise.
36. What religions will need to be accommodated? Are there
facilities?
a. Applicants for international protection are not asked about
their religious persuasion when they are being offered
accommodation. If necessary, transport can be provided
(through a local arrangement) for attendance at religious
services.

37. What does the HSE- Health Service Executive do?
The HSE��provides all of Ireland's public health services in hospitals and
communities across the country. (www.hse.ie).
Vision: A healthier Ireland with a high quality health service valued by
all.
Mission:
• People in Ireland are supported by health and social care services
to achieve their full potential
• People in Ireland can access safe, compassionate and quality care
when they need it
• People in Ireland can be confident that we will deliver the best
health outcomes and value through optimising our resources
Values: Care, Compassion, Trust and Learning
38. What Services are provided by the HSE?
There is a large range of health services provided directly by HSE staff and
through contractual arrangements with GPs, Pharmacists, other service
providers and NGOs.
Some of the services provided are:
Information Note
Date: February 2018

9 Community
Health Care
Organisations

39. On a typical day in the HSE.
• 11,898 inpatients in our acute hospitals
• 2,363 day case attendances
• 12,100 people attending outpatient departments
• 570 emergency ambulance calls
• 3,136 people attending Emergency Departments
• 192 births
• 49,432 home help hours delivered
• 2,278 calls to GP out of hours services
• 7,200 people receiving methadone treatment
• 7,100 people in sheltered work
• 2,929 people in rehabilitation training
• 2,773 patients accessing palliative services in their home, and
• 221 calls received on the Information Line. (Callsave 1850 241 850).
40. How do Asylum Seekers access Health Services in Ireland?
Aylum Seekers can access the Health Services in the same way as everyone
else. Asylum Seekers apply for Medical Cards while living in Direct Provision
and are entitled, as a Medical Card holder, to access health services.
41. Are there any differences in services provided to Asylum Seekers?
Yes
• Asylum Seekers receive a Direct Provision allowance and they do not
have to pay Prescription Charges to receive medication at the pharmacy.
• When Asylum Seekers arrive in Ireland they are brought to Balseskin
Reception Centre. There they are offered Health Screening, which
includes a Vaccination History and Infectious Disease screening.
• The National Mobile Health Screening Unit will transition groups of
people to GP services locally. This alleviates pressure from local GP
services and allows for a full medical history to be compiled for onward
transmition to the receiving GP.
• A minority of Asylum Seekers may have experienced torture and they can
avail of a specialist service, provided by an organisation called SPIRASI,
which is funded by the HSE. The nearest service to Lisdoonvarna is
provided in Limerick. Travel arrangements, for people requiring such a
service, will be facilitated by the Department of Justice.
42. What type of Health needs will Asylum Seekers have?
Generally this population are young and very healthy. Nationally 92% of
applicants are under 45 years of age. Only 27 applicants last year were
over 66. As with all groups, there may be people with asthma, diabetes
and similar health conditions.
43. What Health Services will be provided in Lisdoonvarna
The following is the detail of the main services that people living in the King
Thomond Hotel will require, and where they will be provided.

• General Practitioner services will be provided locally. Initially, however
this will be done in conjunction with the Mobile Health Screening Unit,
who will provide a full medical history for review by the local GP who
will ultimately provide ongoing services. No limit has been placed on
the length of time that the Mobile Health Screening Unit will attend and
it’s withdrawal will be based on clinical consultation involving the local
GP and staff in the Unit. It is envisaged that the Unit will come to
Lisdoonvarna one day a week.
• Public Health Nurses will provide normal services to people living in the
King Thomond Hotel. These services will be provided from
Lisdoonvarna Health Centre generally, but the Public Health Nurse may
also visit the Centre.
• Children’s Dental treatment will be provided from Ennistymon Health
Centre. The Department of Justice will provide transport to the
appointments.
• Adult Dental services will be provided in Ennis. Again, the Department
of Justice will provide transport to the appointments.
• Mental Health services, where required, will be provided from Stella
Maris, Lisdoonvarna. This will follow referral from the GP or the MHSU
as required.
• Out of hours GP services are based in Ennistymon. Asylum Seekers
will access same on a needs basis. Transport arrangements will be
arranged where required in conjunction with the Department of Justice
and the Centre Management.
• Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech & Language will be
provided from Ennistymon Health Centre or Ballyvaughan Medical
Centre, where required, will be provided from Lisdoonvarna Health
Centre.
• Optical and Audiology Services will be provided in Ennis. Travel
arrangements, for people requiring such a service, will be facilitated by
the Department of Justice.
44. How do they cope if they don’t speak English on arrival?
Asylum Seekers have varying degrees of ability in English when they arrive in
Ireland. Interpretation is provided, where required, for those with limited
English for interactions with Health Service Providers. There are also resources
available, for health professionals in other languages on
www.hsesocialinclusion.ie . Interpretation is provided onsite, but can also be
provided by phone.

Original Q & A
45. What is RIA?
a. RIA is the Reception and Integration Agency – an office in the
Department of Justice and Equality. The role of RIA is to
oversee the provision of accommodation and related services
to persons seeking international protection in Ireland. The
entirety of the system of these services is known as direct
provision.
46. What is Direct Provision?
a. Direct Provision is the system whereby State services are
offered and directly provided to protection applicants through
the relevant Government Department or Agency, hence the
name ‘Direct Provision’. We do not know who or how many
will arrive on our shores today or tomorrow in need of or
claiming protection. What we do know is that all applicants,
on behalf of the Irish people, are offered immediate shelter,
full board accommodation and a range of services such as
health and education while their application for international
protection is being processed. Not every person who seeks
international protection in Ireland chooses to accept this offer
and of course many chose to live with colleagues, family or
friends in communities across the country, as they are entitled
to do.
b. The Direct Provision system is a guarantee that every person
who seeks International Protection today will tonight have a
bed, food, a shower, medical care, information and access to
a wide range of services.��

c. The offer includes full bed and board including all utilities,
medical facilities ensuring the applicant’s basic needs are
met. Applicants are also paid a small cash allowance for the
purchase of personal items. Exceptional needs may also be
addressed by payments from the Department of Employment
Affairs and Social Protection.
47. How many people are accommodated by the State in this system?
a. At the end of January there were approximately 5,200
protection applicants in accommodation provided by the
State. There are 33 accommodation centres around the
country and one reception centre in Dublin.
48. How many applications are there each year?
a. This number fluctuates depending on international events. In
2017 there were approximately 2,500 applications excluding
persons who were brought to Ireland as a result of the Syrian
Crisis.
b. Currently applications are running at approximately 60 per
week in 2018.
49. What nationalities will be staying here?
a. This will depend on those that apply for protection in Ireland.
They can be from any country in the world although most tend
to be from Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe.
50. Are these people refugees from Syria etc?

a. These people are generally those from other countries who
are seeking international protection in Ireland? A number of
persons are relocated
51. How does the direct provision system work?
a. The direct provision system was established by the
Government on the principle of reception and dispersal.
Reception services (initial accommodation, medical screening
etc.,) are offered to applicants on arrival. After a short time,
applicants are then transferred to one of a number of centres
around the country.
b. As part of the overall system, health services are provided
through the HSE, Education services through the Department
of Education and Skills etc. For its part the Department of
Justice and Equality offer full board accommodation to
persons seeking international protection.
52. What is international protection?
a. International protection is a legal process and is the term
given to a person who is seeking asylum in Ireland. An asylum
seeker is a person who comes to Ireland seeking international
protection status (refugee status or subsidiary protection
status) under international law on grounds that they fear
persecution in their own country for reasons of race, religion,
nationality, membership of a particular social group or
political opinion or where they would face a real risk of
suffering serious harm if returned to their country of origin.
53. What happens at the end of the process?

a. Ultimately, an application for international protection is either
approved or refused. If it is approved, the applicant is given
permission to remain in Ireland, live in the community, engage
in employment etc. If the application is refused, the applicant
must leave the country..
54. Will these people be staying in the locality?
a. If the application is approved it is up to the applicant to live
where ever they wish as is the case for any other person
legally resident in Ireland.
55. What about the right to work?
a. Persons who are in the protection process and who meet
certain conditions may have a right to access the labour
market. The Supreme Court has struck down as being
unconstitutional the absolute prohibition, without reference
to a temporal limit, on the right of a person in the protection
process to seek employment.
b. The Government has decided to opt-in to the Recast
Receptions Directive which grants persons in the protection
process a right to access the labour market after a certain
period of time. In Ireland, the Government has decided that
the period of time in question will be 9 months.
c. This means that persons who
i. are in the protection process for at least nine months
ii. who have co-operated with that process and

iii.who have not yet had a first instance decision on their
application,
shall be granted access to the labour market.
56. Why are we opening new accommodation centres?
a. The number of persons seeking international protection is
growing. To meet that demand and to comply with our
international legal and humanitarian obligations we must
ensure that we are in a position to meet the basic needs of
applicants. Our present portfolio of accommodation (34
accommodation centres all around the country) is at capacity.
57. Why is this location being selected?
a. On 8th January 2018 RIA published a notice in the national
papers and the EU journal seeking expressions of interest from
businesses who were in apposition to offer full board
accommodation on behalf of the State to persons seeking
international protection. As a result of that call for
expressions of interest, a number of premises were offered to
the Department, including this premises. We have looked at
all those premises from the viewpoint of supports services,
(education, medical etc.,), locality, ease of access and of
course availability. This accommodation centre complies with
all our requirements.
58. Is every applicant security checked?
a. Security is of course a matter for the Garda Síochána. Every
applicant for international protection undergoes security
screening as part of that process.

59. How long is this contract going to last?
a. The contract is for a fixed term of one year. Financial details
of the contract will not be disclosed for reasons of commercial
confidentiality.
60. What is the value of the contract?
a. Financial details of the contract will not be disclosed for
reasons of commercial confidentiality.
61. Will the contract be renewed?
a. RIA will soon be publishing a call for tenders for persons or
businesses who wish to bid for the provision of full board
services to persons in the protection process. This will be an
open, EU wide, transparent process. When this contract is up
for renewal a decision will be made as to whether RIA still
need this service in this area and if that is the case, such an
open EU wide tendering process will take place at that time.

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Lisdoonvarna community questions to Reception and Integration Agency

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