Direct Provision System

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023

Tuesday, 4 July 2023

Questions (488, 489, 510)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

488. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when she was made aware that the 24-hour security presence at a location (details supplied) had ceased; if the cessation of security cover is a fundamental breach of the contract that the State has with the facility; if he has investigated allegations that the security staff who were on site may not have had full security licences and were paid cash for their services; how he proposes to resolve the issues outlined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32145/23]

Cathal Crowe

Question:

489. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware that the bus service to and from a location (details supplied) has allegedly ceased; if the cessation of this bus service is a fundamental breach of the contract the State has with the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32146/23]

Cathal Crowe

Question:

510. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if officials from his Department and International Protection Accommodation Services are satisfied that an accommodation centre (details supplied) has a properly functioning wastewater treatment system and adequate fire control measures in place that allow for the entire complex, both the main building and adjacent bungalows, to be fully utilised; if he will provide an overview of any remedial works undertaken to address these matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32439/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I propose to take Questions Nos. 488, 489 and 510 together.

The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) have sought clarity regarding the matters outlined in your question.

IPPS have confirmed that there is a regular bus service running from the centre to Ennis each day. Further transport needs for residents are accommodated as necessary.

With respect to security in the centre, there are three fully licenced security guards on site covering periods from 9am to 1am with a night porter on site from 1am to 9am. The IPPS can confirm that the company is paying its security staff employed in the property through the company's payroll system.

The complex does have a correctly functioning wastewater treatment system and an independent contractor has been contracted to maintain the system onsite to ensure its effective functioning.

There are standard fire control measures in place for the bungalows and the entire complex, and the Department continues to engage with the appropriate fire certification authorities to ensure fire certification is up to date.

I trust this clarifies the matters raised.