Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021
533. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the confidential freephone support service for residents in direct provision has been shared with all residents; if so, the way in which it has been shared; and if not, if he will correspond with each resident with details of the freephone number. [8416/21]
View answerThe Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is funded by my Department to operate a confidential support helpline for all residents being accommodated by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).
IPAS understands that not everybody feels comfortable contacting the Department directly so the helpline can be used to discuss issues or problems they are having with their accommodation or other issues of concern in confidence. The contact number for this service is 1800 929 008.
This number is published in newsletters for residents and is advised to residents in the National Reception Centre as part of their orientation prior to being allocated accommodation in one of our accommodation centres.
