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(ANSAmed) - ROME, SEPTEMBER 24 - Taking into consideration the increase in the arrivals of illegal immigrants in Italy, the government yesterday allotted funds - a total 76 million euro over a three-year period - for the immediate construction of ten new identification and expulsion centres (CIE) in the regions where they are still lacking. This does not seem to be an easy task since various regions have already refused to allow the construction of such centres on their territory. At present the reception system of the Ministry of Interior accommodates 9,500 immigrants, of who only a little more than 3,000 in the official structures (CIE, reception centres for asylum seekers and reception centres). The rest are put up at 44 emergency centres in hotels and state-owned buildings. The decree law (which is operative but still has to be approved within 60 days by the parliament) is accompanied by two legislative decrees regarding reunion and asylum, which will take effect following their publishing in the State Gazette. A third decree, concerning the free movement of EU citizens, has not yet been approved by Brussels. As for the tightening of regulations regarding refugees, Maroni said "it is due to the fact that the increase of arrivals concerns mainly asylum seekers". "We want to avoid any abuse of asylum requests as a way of remaining in Italy and to establish better control of these people with the prefect who should find accommodation for them." Finally, as regards reunions, "there is a tightening with the limitation to spouses, children and parents, while health insurance or registration with the national health service is required for those aged above 65", the minister said. "The objective is to avoid easy reunions only in order to obtain state benefits," he added. Moreover, "it is established that tacit consent does not apply to asylum requests", the minister added. Maroni has been strongly criticised by the opposition which claimed that the measures oppose to the Catholic Church's position on immigration. (ANSAmed).