AQW 8903/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 14/03/2024
Answered On Date: 16/04/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the First Minister and deputy First Minister what actions they will be taking to address the concerns raised by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration's report, An inspection of contingency asylum accommodation for families with children in Northern Ireland.

Answer:

The key concerns set out in the report relate primarily to non-devolved issues for which we have no remit to take action.

Whilst TEO does not have a statutory responsibility for the provision of services to asylum seekers, the concerns raised in this respect have informed the work the Department co-ordinates through the Strategic Planning Group (Refugees and Asylum Seekers) and its previously established subgroup on Contingency Accommodation.

For example, work has been completed to put in place Information Sharing Agreements between Mears and agencies such as Health and Social Care Trusts, and family help models have been rolled out in all three relevant Trusts. We have also continued to raise the impact and need for further funding to meet increasing pressures as a result of Home Office policy.

Whilst we recognise that the 5 recommendations within the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) report were made for Home Office, we will continue to engage with Home Office on their planned approach to implementation.