Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1148. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will review correspondence regarding direct provision in County Monaghan (details supplied); if he will urgently review this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20693/22]
View answerAs you may know, in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation, 2018, the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) cannot share any information with a third party without the express consent of the individual concerned. It would be advisable that the person referenced in the Deputy's question or her legal representative contact IPAS directly at ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie to make the request known. I will ask IPAS to review the matters set out in the information provided.
I would like to take this opportunity to inform you about the vulnerability assessment pilot programme overseen by my dedicated IPAS Resident Welfare Team. IPAS makes a written offer of a vulnerability assessment to all persons who make an application for international protection to the International Protection Office (IPO).
Assessments begin with an initial interview with a Vulnerability Assessment Officer from the Resident Welfare Team. The purpose of these assessments is to determine if, by virtue of a particular category of vulnerability, an applicant is deemed to have special reception needs, what those needs are and what actions are required to address those needs.
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. Specific needs can be raised with IPAS through these options.
