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The Government will replace the direct provision system with an international protection system for the next four years.
A new two-phase approach will be set out in a white paper to be published this morning.
According to the plans, all existing direct provision centers are expected to close by the end of 2024.
The direct provision system was established to house asylum seekers entering the Irish state seeking international protection.
But what began as a stopgap measure more than 20 years ago still exists. It has been criticized by human rights organizations, NGOs and members of the system.
Today, the government white paper will propose a new two-phase approach.
Phase one is expected to take four months. In this phase, accommodation will be provided in reception and integration centers.
Six reception and integration centers will be established that will be state-owned and run by non-profit organizations.
Under the plan, under this new system, people applying for protection will receive help integrating into Ireland from day one, with health, housing, education and employment supports at the core of the system.
Vulnerability assessments will be carried out to determine accommodation and service needs and help define appropriate avenues of support for the most vulnerable.
People who are trafficked, fleeing violence, sexual violence, who are LGBTQI, disabled or elderly will be directed to an appropriate environment.
It is proposed that the necessary supports be established according to the relevant needs.
A health assessment will be provided to all new applicants for international protection at this stage, and special attention will be paid to the needs of children coming to Ireland with their families.
Complete information on the international protection process that applicants are carrying out will be made available to all applicants, and will be linguistically accessible in the most common language.
Applicants will have the right to seek paid work after six months. According to the white paper, they will be encouraged and supported to do so.
They will be able to request the opening of a bank account and will be provided with information on how to do so.
They will also be able to apply for Irish driving licenses at this stage.
This is something the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission has been calling for for some time.
After phase one, accommodation will be offered to applicants through a series of chapters in phase two.
The plan says that after their first four months in Ireland, people whose protection applications are still being processed will be moved to community accommodation.
It says it will be accommodation on your doorstep or in a room of your own, so they will pay rent subject to means testing.
All accommodations will be independent houses or apartments with their own door for families to provide privacy, agency and independence.
Single people will stay in their own room or in their own room.
The homes will be located within the community, with support to promote interconnections.
Under the plan, these will be built or purchased through approved housing agencies or such organizations.
See: Explanation of asylum and direct provision
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