Responsibility for international protection applicants and the operation of the direct provision services referred to in the question are the responsibility of the Department of Justice and Equality. As part of the whole-of-government direct provision support system the Department of Justice and Equality provides accommodation, food and utilities to those seeking international protection in Ireland. The Department of Health and the HSE provide for the health care of applicants.
With the emergence of the COVID-19 crisis , the HSE prepared guidance for Homeless and other vulnerable group settings including Direct Provision settings, which can be found on www.hpsc.ie. This guidance is kept under review and updated as required. The guidance exists precisely because it is recognised that congregated settings such as Direct Provision centres present specific challenges in this pandemic.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Justice and Equality and the HSE have worked closely together to ensure that the health and welfare of asylum seekers and refugees availing of the State’s accommodation services are protected. In all matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic, public health advice from the HSE and the National Public Health Emergency Team is followed.
The HSE has put in place a range of measures to support Accommodation Centres operated by the Department of Justice and Equality to prevent and control Covid-19 issues in centres and to address any cases of COVID-19 if or when they arise. This includes provision for offsite self-isolation centres around the State.
I understand that the Department of Justice and Equality and the HSE continue to work closely together to support the health and welfare of international protection applicants availing of the State’s accommodation services, including during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Both the Department of Justice and Equality and the HSE are committed to protecting the identity and medical confidentiality of residents, as required by law. For this reason, neither the Department nor the HSE will give specific information about individuals or locations. The health authorities will only comment on cases or outbreaks of any illness (Covid-19 or otherwise) if there is a Public Health reason to do so. The operational matters referred to are a matter for the HSE and I have referred the question to the HSE for response and direct reply.
