Direct Provision System

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 February 2019

Wednesday, 13 February 2019

Questions (104)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Question:

104. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 109 to 111, inclusive, of 7 November 2018, if all direct provision centres are complying with his instructions as set out in the response that they should provide feminine hygiene products to residents; the way in which this instruction has been communicated; and the follow-up work carried out to ensure that each direct provision centre is in compliance. [7269/19]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

Following the commitment that I gave in the House in November 2018, all managers in accommodation centres were emailed and advised that those centres who are not operating the independent living model should supply feminine hygiene products to female residents at no cost on request.

I have instructed my Department to ensure that information in relation to the supply of feminine hygiene products is widely communicated.

It should be noted that in conjunction with the roll out of the public procurement programme throughout the state, more centres are moving to the independent living model which allows residents to procure through a weekly points system all of their shopping requirements in relation to food, toiletries and personal hygiene products.