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Direct Provision System

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 June 2021

Tuesday, 1 June 2021

Questions (468, 469)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

468. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the poll carried out by a group (details supplied) showing that access to period products is still an issue in some direct provision centres. [29117/21]

View answer

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

469. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way he plans to safeguard against the possibility that some direct provision centres are invoicing his Department for costs but could still be charging residents under the point system. [29118/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 468 and 469 together.

I am aware of the poll and of the newspaper article referred to by the Deputy relating to the availability of period products in our International Protection accommodation centres. 

All our accommodation providers have been contacted recently and they all confirmed that period products are provided to residents free of charge. The International Protection Procurement Service (IPSS) of my Department has not received any further invoices for period products since my last reply to the Deputy on 18 May 2021 on this matter (Question 581 refers).

The IPSS will continue to monitor the invoices in respect of period products on a regular basis to check the position in those centres who have yet to invoice the Department.

This is a matter that my Department does not take lightly. If the Deputy is aware of any accommodation centre charging residents for period products, I would appreciate if he could inform my officials in the IPSS. Equally, if any resident is being charged for period products, they should notify IPAS either through contacting them directly at ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie or alternatively through the confidential helpline being provided though the Jesuit Refugee Service.

Question No. 469 answered with Question No. 468.
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