First of all, I can assure the Deputy that the health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by my Department is of the highest priority to both myself and my officials.
The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), which is responsible for the provision of accommodation and related services to people in the International Protection process, is aware of the video that is circulating on social media in regard to the centre mentioned.
In response to this, staff of the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS), which manages the contract with the Direct Provision accommodation centre mentioned, visited the hotel on 3 November to investigate the matter, including a review of CCTV in the area, and did not find evidence that food is being served in plastic bags.
QTS, an independent inspectorate company that undertakes inspections on behalf of IPPS, also visited the centre on 3 November, to ensure that it is complying with the terms of its contract with regard to food provision to residents.
Accommodation centres are currently subject to regular unannounced inspections by both Department officials in IPAS and QTS Limited. It is expected that each accommodation centre will be inspected three times in 2021, twice by QTS and once by IPAS officials.
In addition, 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 and non-alcoholic beverages readily available.
IPAS is always available to deal with any complaints from residents and residents are encouraged to engage with IPAS if they are unhappy with any aspect of their accommodation. Where a complaint is significant in nature or a resident is not comfortable raising a complaint with a centre manager, they may make the complaint directly, or through a representative authorised to act on their behalf, to the IPAS Customer Service Team.
All residents have access to an independent support helpline operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service and funded by the Department. IPAS is working to facilitate clinics at centres, in line with public health restrictions. IPAS has no role in determining a resident’s claim for international protection. Decisions on claims for international protection are matters for the Department of Justice. Residents can freely make complaints without any implications for their claims for international protection.
As I mentioned above, accommodation centres are subject to regular unannounced inspections by IPAS/IPPS and by an independent inspections company. Inspection reports are published on www.gov.ie/en/publication/534c2-ipas-inspection-reports/.
As you might expect, vulnerable adults and children are of considerable concern to me. Thus, IPAS has services in place to highlight such situations immediately. Everyone who registers an application for International Protection is offered a vulnerability assessment. Where an application includes children of an applicant, IPAS, with parental consent, also assess their vulnerability in an appropriate manner. All applicants are advised that they can contact IPAS to discuss their needs at any stage of the IP process, even if a vulnerability assessment has previously been conducted. This helps ensure that vulnerabilities that may later arise are identified in a timely manner.
All assessments are carried out in a sensitive, conversational manner with gender-appropriate officers and interpretation as required. Appropriate training is provided to all IPAS staff involved in the assessments.
I trust that this information can provide the necessary reassurance to you that the Government is committed to the welfare of all residents of our accommodation centres.
