Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022
124. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of vulnerability assessments of international protection applicants undertaken in 2021; the way this compares to previous years; the most common vulnerabilities identified; the steps that are being taken to address and support those identified as vulnerable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5184/22]
View answer177. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of vulnerability assessments of international protection applicants undertaken in 2021; the most common vulnerabilities identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5136/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 177 together.
A vulnerability assessment pilot programme is currently in operation by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department.
From 1 February 2021, every person who makes an application for international protection is entitled to participate in a vulnerability assessment.
The assessment determines if an applicant has special reception needs, what these are and what actions are needed to address these needs. Participation is voluntary and only applicants who consent to participate in the pilot can be assessed.
From 1 February 2021 to the 31 December 2021, 686 vulnerability assessments were undertaken and 438 applicants were identified as having some form of vulnerability. Of those:
- 30% were minors.
- 31% were persons who have been subjected to torture, rape or other forms of serious psychological, physical or sexual violence.
- 12% were persons identified as vulnerable because they had a serious illness.
- 9% were single parents with minor children.
- 8% were persons with mental health concerns.
Other vulnerabilities related to being:
- Pregnant (3%).
- A victim of human trafficking (3%).
- A member of the LGBTI+ community (2%).
- A person with a disability (2%).
- Being an unaccompanied minor (0.3%).
It is important to note that a vulnerable person may have more than one kind of vulnerability. IPAS makes every effort to ensure that residents' specific needs are met. All persons identified as vulnerable are directed to appropriate services by IPAS’ dedicated Resident Welfare Team.
As Deputies will know, services for all international protection applicants are mainstreamed. Applicants access health services in the same way as Irish citizens. This includes referral to disability and mental health services.
IPAS will consider any identified vulnerabilities when allocating accommodation, taking into account the accommodation available.
It should be noted that not every vulnerability requires special intervention. For example, every child or pregnant woman is identified by default as vulnerable under the Regulations, but they may not have specific vulnerabilities.
