AQW 21965/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 07/09/2021
Answered On Date: 08/11/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister what recent assessment their Department has made of the adequacy of accommodation for asylum seekers and refugees in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

Immigration policy which includes the policy for asylum seekers and refugees is an excepted matter and therefore the responsibility of the Home Office. Housing for asylum seekers is provided under the Home Office Asylum Accommodation and Support Contract which is currently in place with Mears Group.

Whilst we therefore have no remit in respect of the provision of housing for asylum seekers, our officials engage with Mears and other stakeholders including the NI Strategic Migration Partnership to help ensure the necessary support and consider issues for asylum seekers while they are here.

Once an individual has gained refugee status they are entitled to the same services and support, including housing, as every other member of our society.

The provision of housing falls to the Department for Communities who have statutory responsibility through the NIHE. Housing for refugees arriving through resettlement schemes is also coordinated by the Department for Communities.