Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
307. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of inspection visits to permanent and temporary direct provision centres in County Wicklow since March 2020; the way in which it has been ensured adequate Covid-19 restriction measures have been adhered to in direct provision centres in the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13239/20]
View answerIt was not deemed safe for staff or residents to have on-site inspections since the commencement of the COVID-19 pandemic. As soon as it is practicable and safe to do so, inspections will recommence. Only permanent accommodation centres are subject to the formal inspection process due to differing contractual obligations on permanent accommodation centres as opposed to emergency accommodation.
Our absolute priority is to ensure the health and welfare of our residents, centre staff and the wider community. We have been working closely with the HSE at national and local level on a daily basis to ensure that we are taking the right steps at this time.
My Department has relocated over 600 residents to support social and physical distancing in centres and cocooning measures for the most vulnerable. By doing this, we have ensured that no more than three single people are sharing a room in any centre. We intend to continue this policy after the crisis.
The established procedure across all centres where a person is suspected of having the virus or is confirmed as having the virus, is that, where advised by Public Health, they are moved to a dedicated offsite self-isolation facility. Supports are available for the duration of their period of isolation until such time as the HSE considers that they can safely return to their centre. My Department currently has dedicated self-isolation facilities for residents in Dublin, Cork and Dundalk. Residents in these facilities have their own bedroom and their own bathroom
In partnership with the HSE and Safetynet, my Department has put in place a national clinical telephone service to provide public health advice to support centre management and their staff. It is also being used to advise, support and work with locations where vulnerable groups are present relating to the implementation of COVID-19 guidelines and measures.
Residents in all centres have been made aware of the need to practice social and physical distancing and good hand hygiene and coughing/sneezing etiquette. Translations of public health advice have been provided to centres. During this time, centres have been asked to increase the standard and frequency of cleaning throughout the centres, paying particular attention to communal areas. A regular supply of hand sanitiser is in place for all centres and this is distributed as needed. Other PPE is also distributed as needed and in line with HPSC guidelines on its appropriate use in residential settings.
During this time, to ensure that we are in regular contact with our centres, a dedicated communications team within IPAS has been established. This team undertakes regular calls with all centre managers across our network of permanent and temporary centres. Feedback from these conversations is reflected in the newsletters circulated to all centre managers and to residents to promote shared learning and best practice. The calls also ensure that any issues or concerns can be raised without delay for appropriate resolution for the benefit of residents and staff. In addition, residents also have the option to contact IPAS staff directly via email and can also raise concerns with the Office of the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children.
My Department also established a national telephone support service for residents run by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and the Freephone number has been highlighted to all residents through one of our regular newsletters.
While inspections of accommodation centres cannot take place at this time, I hope that this information will provide you with some reassurance that we are continuing to work closely with the HSE and centre management to protect the health and safety of all residents and staff as a priority.
