For reasons of confidentiality, I am not in a position to comment on individual cases.
However, I can advise that based on Public Health advice, transfers between centres are currently suspended at this time, with limited exceptions, for example, if a qualified medical practitioner advises that a person must be moved for urgent health reasons or if An Garda Síochána advise moving a resident for their own safety or security or that of others in the accommodation centre.
More generally, centre management can also request that a resident be transferred if they have proven to be very disruptive to the running of a centre or if they have assaulted or threatened violence to staff or other residents.
The person is notified of the transfer by letter from the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department, outlining where they will be moving to and when. The transfer usually occurs within days of the notification being made.
Transport to the new location is organised by IPAS through contracted bus or taxi companies, or, in some instances, depending on geographical location, availability or other considerations, transport can be organised by centre management who are reimbursed for the cost by IPAS. All social distancing and emergency measures required at this time are complied with in the facilitation of such transfers.
