Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
425. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth who is responsible for the training of staff working in international protection accommodation centres, and what the guidelines and standards are that should be implemented for that training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49505/23]
View answerThe International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) has a dedicated Training Unit that develops training sessions in line with general IPAS Policies and Procedures. The IPAS Training Unit conducts overview sessions with new and existing accommodation providers on a weekly basis. The overview sessions include, but are not limited to:
• House Rules and Procedures
Vulnerability assessments.
Critical Incidents
Suicide Awareness
Child Protection and Welfare
GDPR
These overview sessions allow providers to ask questions or seek advice from the IPAS staff.
IPAS works in collaboration with other Government Agencies, such as the HSE, Tusla, NGOs and other approved service providers.
The IPAS Training Unit continually engages with accommodation providers in relation to their specific training needs.
IPAS also provides specific briefings on the IPAS Child Protection Policy and Practice Guide to staff at accommodation centres. All staff in accommodation centres where children and families are accommodated are required to complete the Tusla online Children First eLearning course, and to obtain a certificate of completion for the course.
