Parliamentary Questions

143. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons in direct provision centres in each of the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36160/16]

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality (Deputy David Stanton): The numbers of persons residing in State provided accommodation at the end of each of the past twelve months is set out in the following table.

Month	Numbers of persons residing in State provided accommodation
October 2016	4,272
September 2016	4,209
August 2016	4,203
July 2016	4,208
June 2016	4,284
May 2016	4,282
April 2016	4,371
March 2016	4,461
February 2016	4,521
January 2016	4,587
December 2015	4,696
November 2015	4,705

As can be seen from the table, there has been a headline reduction of 433 persons residing in State provided accommodation since this time last year. It should be pointed out that this table does not reflect the overall numbers of persons leaving State provided accommodation as there is a constant ebb and flow as people leave State provided accommodation and new protection applicants avail of accommodation. In this regard, approximately 1,900 persons have left State provided accommodation between January and end of October 2016. Some have done so because they have been granted permission to remain in the State and some may have done so for personal reasons - there is no obligation on any person to remain in State provided accommodation.