Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021
499. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention or that of his Department has been drawn to reports or instances of hunger strikes in direct provision centres since he took office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37491/21]
View answerOn any occasion where a resident refuses food for any significant period of time, such matters are brought to my attention by officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service within my Department.
I am informed that, while such instances are rare, some residents have in the past, refused food in order to draw attention to a particular issue that may, or may not, relate to their accommodation. It is important to note that often the issues that give rise to such incidents may relate to matters outside the remit of my Department.
IPAS officials also advise that as soon as they become aware of such instances, they work closely with the resident, accommodation centre staff, and other relevant state agencies and service providers to resolve the matter with compassion and sensitivity for the individual concerned. The health, both physical and psychological, of residents is paramount in doing so.
On a more general note, I can assure the Deputy that the health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department is of the highest priority to myself and my officials.
A confidential Freephone telephone support service, funded by, but independent of, this Department, was also established in May 2020 to provide further support to residents that are being accommodated by my Department. This Freephone confidential support helpline is operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). Any isue raised through this service may be passed in confidence to IPAS for investigation and resolution.
Residents also have full access to the Ombudsman and Ombudsman for Children should they wish to lodge a complaint regarding any services provided by my Department or other State Agencies and Departments.
