Written Answers Nos. 163-177
163. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total cost of a direct provision centre (details supplied) to his Department for each year in tabular form. [55146/21]
View answerIt is my Department’s policy not to publish details of individual contract values for the two most recent complete calendar years. Contract values for the period from 2000 to 2018 are available on the IPAS website, www.gov.ie/en/publication/3eef8-contract-values/.
The following table gives contract values on an annual basis for the direct provision accommodation centre to which the Deputy refers for the period from 2013 to 2018.
|
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
|
€2,763,635 |
€2,721,600 |
€2,646,000 |
€2,784,600 |
€2,784,600 |
€3,164,292 |
164. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the occupancy of a provision centre (details supplied) on 1 September in each year from 2016 to 2021, by single persons, adults with children and children. [55147/21]
View answerMy officials are currently collating the requested figures for the centre concerned. To ensure complete accuracy, this requires further time than allowed for the parliamentary question. Full details will be supplied to the Deputy shortly.
165. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will end the practice of forcing two or three adults to share small bedrooms in direct provision centres such as at a centre (details supplied); and if he has plans to end the forced overcrowding of single persons in direct provision centres, particularly in view of the current alarming rise in Covid-19 infection rates. [55148/21]
View answerIn regard to Covid-19 case numbers, together with the HSE, the Department has put in place a range of measures in all of the Accommodation Centres to address any cases of Covid-19 if or when they arise. These measures include provision for self-isolation facilities in Centres and a number of offsite self-isolation centres around the State. In all matters related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Department works collaboratively with the HSE to implement their public health advice.
The established procedure across all centres where a person is suspected of having the virus or is confirmed as having the virus, is that, where advised by Public Health, they are moved to a dedicated offsite self-isolation facility. Supports are available for the duration of their period of isolation until such time as the HSE considers that they can safely return to their centre.
The services provided by IPAS are, of course, demand-led and, as demand is currently running higher than predicted, these arrangements are being kept under daily review by my officials to ensure that there is sufficient accommodation to house new arrivals in the State seeking international protection.
As the Deputy is aware, this Government has highlighted the issues with the current system of ‘direct provision’, and the Programme for Government has pledged to replace it with a new system centred on a not-for-profit approach, underpinned by the principles of human rights and the integration of applicants into Irish society from the point of arrival in Ireland. Under the White Paper, there will be a particular focus on children’s rights and on ensuring dignity, privacy and respect for all applicants and their families. The White Paper also contains a commitment to phase out the use of congregated settings by December 2024, when the new system is scheduled to be fully rolled out.
My Department will shortly publish a tender to procure additional accommodation for families, couples and single people to enable a move away from reliance on emergency accommodation and to ensure that there is sufficient capacity to meet demand, pending the full implementation of the White Paper. Decisions about existing centres will be made based on the Department’s contractual commitments, capacity across the accommodation network, progress in rolling out the new model and the need to ensure that the Department meets its legal and moral obligations to provide accommodation to people who need it while their applications for international protection are being determined.
166. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of Tusla workers and staff who are working through a recruitment agency. [54784/21]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that my officials have asked Tusla to respond to you directly on this matter.
167. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of recruitment agencies that Tusla is currently in a contract with regarding employment; the cost associated with each contract; and the dates upon which contracts were entered into. [54785/21]
View answerI wish to inform the Deputy that my officials have asked Tusla to respond to you directly on this matter.
168. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the plans he has to end non-front door direct provision in Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54818/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department currently has three direct provision accommodation centres and two emergency centres in the county of Galway. One of the accommodation centres currently provides own-door accommodation. The new model of accommodation and supports set out in the White Paper to End Direct Provision provides for own-door accommodation for families and own-room accommodation for single people.
My Department will shortly publish a tender to procure additional accommodation for families, couples and single people to enable a move away from reliance on emergency accommodation and to ensure that there is sufficient capacity to meet demand, pending the full implementation of the White Paper.
Decisions about existing centres will be made based on the Department’s contractual commitments, capacity across the accommodation network, progress in rolling out the new model and the need to ensure that the Department meets its legal and moral obligations to provide accommodation to people who need it while their applications for international protection are being determined.
169. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his office has received allegations of poor food delivered in plastic bags, children living in fear and of families being bullied and intimidated in a direct provision centre (details supplied); the steps taken to ensure a high standard of food, security and accommodation in all direct provision centres; if any investigation has been carried out recently in relation to the standards in this centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54819/21]
View answerFirst 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.
170. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children currently in State care by age and by the county the children are from. [54857/21]
View answerThe Deputy refers to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have referred the matter to Tusla and asked that a direct reply be provided to the Deputy.
171. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children taken into State care in each of the past five years and to date in 2021. [54858/21]
View answerThe Deputy refers to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have referred the matter to Tusla and asked that a direct reply be provided to the Deputy.
172. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons that were engaging with Tusla or that Tusla had identified as at risk, who suffered a violent attack or sexual assault after the point in time when Tusla had begun engaging with them or identified them as at risk in each of the past ten years and to date in 2021. [54859/21]
View answerThe Deputy refers to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have referred the matter to Tusla and asked that a direct reply be provided to the Deputy.
173. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons that were murdered or died under suspicious circumstances over the past ten years in the State that had previously engaged with Tusla or whom Tusla had previously identified as at risk. [54860/21]
View answerThe Deputy refers to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have referred the matter to Tusla and asked that a direct reply be provided to the Deputy.
174. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons who died by suicide or suspected suicide over the past ten years in the State who had previously engaged with Tusla or whom Tusla had identified as at risk; and the number of persons in State care that over the course of the past ten years took their own lives or attempted to take their own lives. [54861/21]
View answer175. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children who died while in the care of the State in each of the past ten years and to date in 2021; and the details of the cause of death or suspected cause of death in each case. [54863/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together.
The National Review Panel (NRP) for the investigation of serious incidents, including the deaths of children in care and aftercare, and known to the child protection services, was set up in 2010 as part of the Implementation Plan associated with the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (2009) (Ryan Report). The NRP does not review deaths of adults (other than young adults in aftercare) who may have been known to Tusla.
The NRP is independent in the performance of its functions, making findings of fact and producing reports that are objective and independent of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
Since 2010 the NRP has published 10 Annual Review Reports summaries of which are available at: www.nationalreviewpanel.ie. The NRP’s 11th Annual Review Report (2020) is due for publication in the near future.
Table 1 at the following link provides a summary of causes of death of children and young people in care between 2010 and 2019:
Table 2 below illustrates the care status of children whose deaths were notified between 2010 and 2019:
|
Year |
In care of the Health Service Executive / Tusla |
In aftercare / in care immediately prior to 18th birthday or in receipt of aftercare service and under 21 |
Living at home and known to child protection services |
Total |
|
2010 |
2 |
4 |
16 |
22 |
|
2011 |
2 |
2 |
11 |
15 |
|
2012 |
3 |
2 |
18 |
23 |
|
2013 |
3 |
1 |
13 |
17 |
|
2014 |
3 |
4 |
19 |
26 |
|
2015 |
3 |
2 |
16 |
21 |
|
2016 |
1 |
1 |
23 |
25 |
|
2017 |
5 |
0 |
17 |
22 |
|
2018 |
1 |
1 |
11 |
13 |
|
2019 |
2 |
0 |
20 |
22 |
176. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total amount spent by his Department on advertisements, including traditional forms of advertisement and online advertising, in each of the past ten years and to date in 2021. [54902/21]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, we will seek to collate relevant information and will revert to the Deputy directly.
177. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a company contracted to run a direct provision centre in Salthill, County Galway has been reported as serving food for asylum seekers in plastic bags; his views on whether this is dehumanising and completely inappropriate given the State funding of such operations; if he will address the matter and the quality of food generally in the centre as a matter of urgency; the status of plans to end the direct provision system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54920/21]
View answerFirst of all, I can assure you that the health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by this 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 mentioned facility.
In response to this, staff from the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS), which manages the contract with the Direct Provision accommodation the referred to centre, 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 also have access to an independent support helpline operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service and funded by the Department. IPAS is also 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.
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/.
The Government is committed in the Programme for Government to ending the current system of Direct Provision within the lifetime of the Government. As you are probably aware, on 26 February of this year, I published the White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a new International Protection Support Service. Through the White Paper, the Government is committed to ending the current system by the end of 2024 and replacing it with a new system centred on a humanitarian not-for-profit basis.
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.
