Deputy, 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 myself and my officials.
International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation centres are currently subject to regular unannounced inspections both by IPAS officials and by an independent inspectorate company (QTS Limited).
These inspections are generally undertaken, twice yearly by officials in IPAS and once yearly by QTS Limited. Any issues identified are notified to the contractor to be addressed immediately.
In terms of inspection of accommodation centres, work is being finalised on regulations to give effect to the monitoring role being undertaken by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) in relation to permanent IPAS centres.
All properties selected under IPAS’ most recent tender process are required to be able to implement and adhere to the National Standards. This requirement applies to the provision of new centres and to any renewal of a contract with a current provider.
Emergency accommodation centres are not subject to inspections on a regular basis due to the nature of the contractual arrangement with them.
