Skip to main content
Normal View

Direct Provision System

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020

Tuesday, 16 June 2020

Questions (364)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

364. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the outcome of contacts by his Department with asylum seekers living in direct provision centres regarding the opportunities available to them to assist in the effort against Covid-19; the number recruited to the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11169/20]

View answer

Written answers

I am not aware of any international protection applicants living in our accommodation centres being recruited through the “Be on call for Ireland” initiative established by the HSE. As the Deputy will appreciate, recruitment to the health service is solely a matter for the HSE.

However, I can say that there are approximately 160 persons living in our accommodation centres who have identified as healthcare workers.

Any healthcare workers living in our accommodation were eligible to apply for accommodation under the HSE’s Temporary Accommodation Scheme announced on 10 April 2020.  The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department has been actively encouraging all healthcare workers living in accommodation centres to apply for this temporary accommodation for their protection and that of other centre residents and staff. We have provided information, forms and guidance and have also asked the NGO community to support this initiative and to help to bring it to the attention of residents through their support networks.

Unfortunately, there was a relatively low take-up of the accommodation offers by the health care workers in our accommodation centres. According to the HSE, between 10% and 20% indicated a willingness to accept such an offer. There are many reasons for this, including that some have family in the direct provision centre and do not wish to leave them or the services and supports available in their centre may be greater than what is on offer through the temporary accommodation scheme. We are aware of some cases where the employer has provided accommodation on a temporary basis.

Some residents have chosen to live outside the centre with family or friends and we have confirmed that they will be able to return to their centre when the crisis ends. In addition, as you will appreciate, residents who are working are not wholly dependent on the State and they may choose to source and provide for their own accommodation, at any time, as other workers do.  

Any essential workers who continue to reside in our centres at this time are expected to follow the same rules as all residents on adhering to social and physical distancing, good hand and respiratory hygiene and self-isolation measures, as required, for their safety and that of other residents and staff.

Question No. 365 answered with Question No. 347.
Question No. 366 answered with Question No. 356.
Question No. 367 answered with Question No. 311.
Top
Share