Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2020
229. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he has consulted with a nutritional and dietary professional in respect of the catering and food services provided in direct provision centres; and if persons with special dietary requirements are catered for in respect of food services in direct provision. [10067/20]
View answerIt is a contractual obligation on all service providers of accommodation centres that culturally appropriate food options should be provided to residents. Service providers must also prepare menus that meet the reasonable dietary needs of the different ethnic groups accommodated at the accommodation centre and the reasonable prescribed dietary needs of any person accommodated at the centre.
Menus must include a vegetarian option and all food products provided must have a traceability system that complies with food safety requirements. It is a contractual obligation for catered accommodation centres that a 28 day menu be provided and that residents are consulted on that 28 day menu. Residents can advise their centre manager of any dietary requirement that they have and this will be facilitated, where possible. Arrangements can also be made to cater for particular religious dietary needs, for example, Muslim residents observing Ramadan.
Accommodation centres which have moved to the independent living model, where residents are provided with ingredients and household items and cook for themselves, must provide a wide range of products which are culturally appropriate and meet the dietary needs of residents. Approximately half of all residents now have access to independent living.
We have continued the roll-out of independent living with self-catering facilities to centres and regional tenders now mandate independent living for all new centres procured through that process.
All accommodation centres are subject to regular unannounced inspections by both staff from the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department and an independent inspector. Part of the inspection process deals directly with the provision of food services. Meals are assessed during inspection for quality, cultural appropriateness and variety of menu options. Any issues identified are notified to the contractor to be addressed immediately.
In August 2019, Minister Flanagan and I published new National Standards for accommodation centres. These Standards were developed through an Advisory Group including representatives from UNHCR Ireland and the NGO sector. The Standards will come into force in January 2021, and they contain commitments in relation to food including access to a varied diet that respects residents' cultural, religious, dietary, nutritional and medical requirements.
Any complaints in relation to dietary matters should be brought to the centre manager in the first instance. If the resident is not satisfied with the outcome, they can make a complaint directly to IPAS, which will be investigated by IPAS officials and acted on appropriately. If the matter is still not resolved to the resident's satisfaction, they can raise a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman for their investigation.
