Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2019
313. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the person or body responsible for inspecting direct provision centres; the regularity with which these inspections occur; the parameters for the inspections; if the reports have provoked action from his Department; if so, the details in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30029/19]
View answerAll accommodation centres providing services to persons seeking international protection are subject to an inspection programme. Each centre is programmed to receive three inspections annually. Two of these inspections are carried out by staff of the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) and the third is carried out by an independent company (QTS Limited). All inspections are unannounced.
The inspections look at a wide range of issues such as fire safety issues, food hygiene, food quality, information provision, general security and emergency details, child protection issues, provision of TV and Wi-Fi services, staff rosters and the upkeep of all communal areas and bedrooms.
Any issue identified is communicated in writing to the contractor and the contractor is required to address any issue identified immediately. Staff from RIA follow up to ensure that relevant issues have been addressed.
A historical record of inspections and subsequent communications with contractors up to 2018 is available on www.ria-inspections.gov.ie. This website is currently being upgraded and up to date inspections and correspondence will be available shortly.
My Department is also reviewing the inspection regime with a view to the new standards which will come into operation in January 2021 to ensure that the inspection programme appropriately examines the delivery of accommodation and ancillary services in line with the standards.
