Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2020
256. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if provisions will be made for residents in a direct provision centre (details supplied) in County Clare to access suitable snacks and hot and cold drinks outside of mealtimes between the hours of 6pm and 8am; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10411/20]
View answer257. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the provisions in place for residents in a direct provision centre (details supplied) in County Clare in relation to personal sanitation products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10412/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 257 together.
I have made inquiries and I have been informed of the following in relation to the Centre referred to. Hand sanitiser was issued to each individual resident at the commencement of the COVID-19 crisis. It is replenished from reception as and when required. Hand sanitisation stations are located outside bedrooms and also at the entrances to each accommodation block. Stations are also located in several locations throughout the administration building including the restaurant and communal areas.
Cleaning packs containing disinfectant spray, tissues, brushes and mops have also been distributed to each bedroom.
With regard to personal hygiene products, sanitary towels and tampons are issued to residents as part of their toiletries packs and are also available as and when required by residents. Packs also include toilet paper, shampoo, shower gel and toothpaste.
Residents who require nappies are issued with a weekly payment by the Community Welfare Officer for their purchase. In addition to this weekly payment, the Northside Family Resource Centre have visited the centre several times over the past number of weeks with additional supplies of nappies for all children.
The catering area for each block in the centre referred to is accessible 24 hours a day, where there is a Burco boiler available to residents to prepare refreshments. Snacks, including cereals and biscuits, are also made available for residents in the catering area.
