Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1096. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he is taking to ensure that persons in direct provision are receiving high-quality and nutritious food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15461/21]
View answerAll of my Department’s international protection accommodation centres are contractually bound to provide menus that reasonably meet the dietary needs of the different ethnic groups accommodated at the centre and the reasonable prescribed dietary needs of any person accommodated at the centre. Menus must include a vegetarian option and all food products provided must have a traceability system that complies with food safety requirements. All accommodation centres that offer catered options must provide three meals per day and must have a range of snacks available including fresh fruit.
In order to ensure compliance with these contractual obligations, 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. Part of the inspection process deals directly with the provision of food services. Meals are assessed during inspection for quality, cultural appropriateness and variety of menu options. Any issues identified are notified to the contractor to be addressed immediately.
There is regular consultation between the centre management and the residents in the accommodation centres in relation to preferences for inclusion of specific foods on menus and where possible this is facilitated.
In our centres which provide for self-catering, a foodhall provides food and other household and hygiene products free of charge through a points based system. The foods available to residents in such centres generally include a wide range of fresh meats, fruit, vegetables and ethnic goods.
Residents can carry over points not used in any one week to the next week, subject to a maximum of four weeks. I understand that the food-hall system works very well and residents are generally satisfied with the system. It is important to note that the food-hall system is an additional measure being provided in accommodation centres which allow for independent living.
