Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 February 2017
84. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration will be given to the need for an independent complaints mechanism for those persons living in direct provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9176/17]
View answerI have agreed that the remit of the Offices of the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children should be extended to allow them to receive complaints from persons residing in State provided accommodation. The necessary logistical and administrative steps are being put in place to allow this to be introduced in the coming weeks and full briefing will be provided by both offices to residents and managers alike. I am delighted that this now gives effect to one of the key recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and other supports for Asylum Seekers.
The type of complaints that will be accepted will be those relating to the services provided to protection applicants in their State provided accommodation centre. Complaints relating to the international protection process itself will not fall within this arrangement.
