Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 March 2023
285. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will, within the international protection system, distinguish victims of trafficking in accommodation in order that they can take trips home to see family, as part of their recovery and integration process. [12007/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department is responsible for the provision of accommodation to persons in the International Protection (IP) process. All matters and obligations relating to potential victims of trafficking who wish to leave the state is a matter for the Department of Justice.
It is possible for people residing in IPAS accommodation to be absent for a maximum of two weeks once an explanation for the absence has been provided in advance.
IPAS does not distinguish between Victims of Trafficking (VOTs) and non-VOTs for the purposes of being absent from an accommodation centre.
