Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
356. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of deaths associated with Covid-19 in direct provision and emergency accommodation centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11115/20]
View answer366. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of deaths associated with Covid-19 in direct provision and emergency accommodation centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11171/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 356 and 366 together.
The COVID-19 pandemic is first and foremost a public health issue. It is a matter for the health authorities to comment on the numbers of deaths related to the virus and the settings in which such deaths have occurred. On 26 May 2020, at a session of the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response, HSE officials confirmed that there were no admissions to intensive care nor any deaths of either residents or staff at any of our accommodation centres. I can also confirm that my Department has not been notified of any COVID-19-related death of a resident by the HSE since that date.
The Deputy may wish to be aware of the general policy that applies when a person dies while they are being provided with accommodation by my Department’s International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS). Department officials work closely with the centre manager to assist the person’s next of kin, if known, in accessing the supports provided by the State, and to ensure that any residents affected by the death are assisted in accessing services that can support them.
All deaths and serious incidents that occur within accommodation centres provided by my Department are referred to the Gardaí as a matter of course and the Gardaí in turn refer all deaths to the local Coroner’s office. It is primarily a matter for An Garda Síochána to notify the next of kin of the death of a person if required. As is the case with all Gardaí/Coroner matters, IPAS is not privy to information pertaining to individual investigations carried out under their remit. IPAS provides information to An Garda Síochána and the Coroner’s Office as and when requested.
The IPAS has developed a critical incident policy. The policy includes guidelines for IPAS Staff and accommodation centre managers and staff in the event of the death of a resident. The policy includes a protocol for record keeping whereby IPAS will maintain a record of all critical incidents. The policy was issued on 23 November 2019.
