Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2017
196. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of complaints that have been made to An Garda Síochána by residents of direct provision centres regarding staff or management at these centres; the number of prosecutions that have been taken against staff or management of these centres since 1 January 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40224/17]
View answerI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to this matter, and I will contact the Deputy again when this report is to hand.
As the Deputy is aware, accommodation centres are subject to regular and frequent inspections by staff of the Reception and Integration Agency and by independent external contractors. The reports of these inspections are published on the RIA website. Centres are also subject to inspection by various other State agencies including for example Environmental Health Officers. The Reception and Integration Agency has implemented a number of policies in all centres dealing with such issues as child protection, sexual and gender based violence and a code of practice for persons working in accommodation centres.
The issue of Garda vetting and child protection in RIA centres is taken very seriously. RIA has a dedicated Child and Family Services Unit, whose role is to manage, deliver, coordinate, monitor and plan all matters relating to child and family services for all asylum seekers residing in the direct provision system. It also acts as a conduit between RIA and Tusla, the latter having statutory functions in this area. The Unit is headed up by an official seconded from Tusla who has clinical expertise in the area of child welfare and protection.
RIA's Child Protection and Welfare Policy and Practice Document is based on the HSE's “Children First - National Guidelines for the protection and welfare of children. In relation to training of staff in centres, the HSE/Tusla has provided 'Keeping Safe' child protection training and Designate Liaison Person Training [DLP] to each centre's Designated Liaison Persons and other staff members. RIA has recently updated its Child Protection Policy to include a Practice Document. To communicate this policy, briefing sessions were held in family centres around the country for centre staff members and all other relevant personnel. The policy is available on www.ria.gov.ie.
I am advised that all staff of centres under contract to RIA are Garda vetted and the remit of the Ombudsman, and the Ombudsman for Children, has been extended to cover those who are living in State provided accommodation since April 2017.
