AQW 8902/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 14/03/2024
Answered On Date: 12/04/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister what consideration they have given to the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration's report, An inspection of contingency asylum accommodation for families with children in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

We welcome the publication of the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) report, following an inspection of Contingency Accommodation here, that was jointly requested by officials from The Executive Office (TEO) and Department of Health.

In particular, we welcome the Home Office response to and full acceptance of Recommendations 1 and 4, given safeguarding and the potential vulnerability of people living in Contingency Accommodation have been priority areas of concern locally.

Whilst we recognise that the 5 recommendations within the ICIBI report were made for Home Office, TEO officials will continue to engage with Home Office officials on their planned approach to implementation.