Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
622. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when additional cooking facilities will be sanctioned at a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10044/21]
View answer623. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to concerns amongst residents at a centre (details supplied) regarding the standard of food; the actions being taken to address these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10045/21]
View answer632. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10273/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 622, 623 and 632 together.
I am aware of the concerns that have been raised by the residents of Ashbourne House Accommodation Centre. The health and wellbeing of all residents is the highest priority for both myself and my officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).
My Department takes complaints from residents very seriously. All residents of accommodation centres are made fully aware of their ability to contact IPAS at any time in confidence.
With regard to the issues raised, IPAS has been in touch with the management of Ashbourne House. The management in Ashbourne House have also met with residents’ representatives last week to discuss their concerns.
IPAS held a virtual clinic on Monday 22 February for residents in the centre to give them an opportunity to elaborate further on their concerns. IPAS has undertaken to look at the issues raised with a view to resolving them.
The Jesuit Refugee Service is also on hand to provide a confidential helpline service to residents at the centre should they wish to raise their concerns with an independent body. 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 services of the Ombudsman are also available to residents should they wish to make a complaint about any services provided to them by the State.
