Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020
527. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps his Department has taken to tackle the problem of cockroaches in a direct provision centre (details supplied). [39818/20]
View answer529. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to a cockroach and mice infestation in a centre (details supplied); the engagement he has had with the management of the centre on this topic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39820/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 527 and 529 together.
I am aware of the issues which occurred at St. Patrick's accommodation centre, Co. Monaghan. I understand that these were addressed in September.
Accommodation centres are subject to regular unannounced inspections by both my officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) and an independent inspectorate company (QTS Limited). These inspections are generally undertaken, twice yearly by my officials in IPAS and once yearly by QTS Limited. Inspections cover a wide range of issues including the quality of the food, fire safety and other health and safety issues.
Inspections were suspended temporarily during the first phase of COVID-19 restrictions but they recommenced on 14 September 2020 with all necessary safeguards in place.
Officials from IPAS inspected the centre referred to by the Deputy on 24 September 2020. The report of the inspection to the centre has been completed and sent to the centre's management for comment prior to finalisation. I intend to review the report of the centre and engage with IPAS about its findings and any recommendations. The report will be published shortly as are all such inspection reports.
A subsequent inspection in respect of this issue was carried out by QTS Ltd. on 11 November and they reported that the issue was caught by the routine inspection program by management of the centre and that there is no infestation issue currently as adequate treatment and control issues are in place.
