Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
416. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of inspections concerning food preparation safety that are conducted annually in direct provision centres; and the actions he has taken as a result of said inspections. [55957/21]
View answerAll direct provision accommodation centres are subject to three unannounced inspections per year. In 2021, two inspections will be carried out in each centre by an independent inspections company (QTS Ltd.) and one by officials of my Department.
The inspections cover a range of issues relating to food safety including implementation of a Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point (HACCP) system, HACCP certification, fridge/freezer temperatures, storage of dry foodstuffs, records of daily cleaning and deep cleans, and inspections by Environmental Health Officers. They also cover matters such as the menu cycle, consultation with residents about menus, arrangements to meet residents’ particular dietary needs, school lunches and facilities for feeding babies.
Centres are required to address any issues that are identified in the course of an inspection promptly. Inspection reports, including the centres’ responses, are published on the IPAS website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/534c2-ipas-inspection-reports/ .
As well as inspections, my Department staff actively engage with residents through regular resident feedback clinics.
I trust this information can provide the necessary reassurance to you that the Government is committed to the welfare of all residents in our accommodation centres.
