Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
73. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans for the implementation of each of the three recommendations in the special report by the Ombudsman for Children, “Safety and Welfare of Children in Direct Provision” (October 2023); the timeline for implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48454/23]
View answer84. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has had regard to the OCO report on Safety and Welfare of Children in Direct Provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48536/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 73 and 84 together.
I acknowledged the publication of the special report by the Ombudsman for Children, and remain committed to the provision of appropriate accommodation to all International Protection Applicants (IPAs) in Ireland in line with our legal obligations.
Recommendation 1: IPAS to cease the use of commercial hotels and plan for accommodation capacity pressures.
There are currently over 24,500 persons in IPAS accommodation. Since the beginning of 2023 to date, over 9,400 people have arrived seeking International Protection, many of which have been accommodated by IPAS. Due to the significant increase, there is a requirement to continue with a blended approach of accommodation options, including commercial and private providers.
I acknowledge that the number of IPAs resident in Emergency Accommodation Centres (EACs) remains high, and my Department is working to procure new accommodation, and transition current residents from EACs to more permanent accommodation within the portfolio.
The commitments made in A White Paper to end Direct Provision and Establish a new International Protection Support Service are still a key priority for my Department. The implementation of the White paper has been significantly impacted by the war in Ukraine and the substantial increase in IPAs.
There is a recognition that the underlying assumptions on which the White Paper was based needed to be re-examined, as the assumptions underpinning it are based on 3,500 new arrivals each year. This work is currently being undertaken by my Department with input from the White Paper Programme Board and the External Advisory Group.
The revised implementation approach will focus on increasing the state owned permanent accommodation capacity to build an appropriate system to meet an increasing need. However due to the significant increase in numbers there will be a requirement for a blended approach of accommodation options including commercial and private providers. While the proposals set out for a revised pathway for the White Paper are intended to achieve a more sustainable model of accommodation and supports for IP applicants, this will take time.
Recommendation 2: IPAS to put in place a robust quality assurance mechanism, including an independent inspectorate.
Since the previous OCO Report of 2021, my Department has put in place a number measures to address concerns which include:
• Monitoring of permanent centres for adherence to National Standards,
• The Vulnerability Assessment Pilot Programme,
• Resident Clinics,
• The publication of the revised IPAS Child Safeguarding Statement, and
• The provision of Child Protection Briefings to managers and staff at IPAS Centres.
Recommendation 3: IPAS to have regard to the vulnerability of children within the international protection process in the planning and provision of their accommodation needs.
IPAS will continue to prioritise children and address their vulnerabilities in accordance with the requirements of the EU Reception Conditions Directive. IPAS will continue to engage with all staff in centres that accommodate children in the International Protection system to ensure they complete Children First Training, have a Designated Liaison Person assigned and adhere to the Children First Legislation and Guidance.
IPAS also works collaboratively with other agencies, including TUSLA colleagues to offer Family Support Services to children and their families in its accommodation. My Department has co-funded Family Support Practitioners for families living in IPAS accommodation to support the pathway for integrated community-based child and family support services.
Child protection is a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary activity and agencies and professionals must work together in the interests of children. I, and my Department, are fully cognisant the best interests of the child are paramount.
