Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2023
147. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide information on a series of matters in relation to international protection applicants (details supplied), by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51388/23]
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As at 12th November 2023, there are over 25,500 people accommodated in (IPAS) accommodation centres and since January 2022, IPAS have brought over 190 properties into use to accommodate those seeking refuge from the State.
The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) receive offers of accommodation, which are evaluated by Department Officials. If these properties are deemed suitable to provide accommodation, IPPS will negotiate a contract with the provider. The Department does not buy or rent properties.
The Department has availed of offers of accommodation made, including the use of office buildings, in order to address the accommodation shortfall. While the Department is aware that some types of accommodation such as office buildings and tented solutions are less than ideal it is working hard to find solutions, through the use of facilities management companies in some cases, to offer emergency food, shelter and sanitation provision to both cohorts.
Once an offer is received, IPPS sends a proposal template to the prospective provider that they are required to complete and return. The proposal template seeks to gather as much information as is reasonably practicable to facilitate an objective assessment of the suitability of the premises to accommodate international protection applicants (IPAs). This includes information on the building's safety and fitness for occupancy, its catering provision and room sizes, its recreational and lounge facilities and various other criteria such as Wi-Fi, security provision and staffing.
It is not a matter for this Department to enforce compliance with fire, planning and health and safety regulations. However, IPPS will not agree a contract until evidence of this compliance has been provided. IPPS seeks the assistance of the relevant Local Authorities in this regard.
When returned, IPPS reviews the proposal and any supporting documentation to assess the suitability of the premises. This may include an inspection of the property also.
At present, all IPAS permanent accommodation centres are subject to inspections. In 2022, inspections were carried out in each centre by an independent inspections company (QTS Ltd) and one by officials of the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).
Inspections cover a wide range of issues including fire safety, appropriate signage and information for residents, the condition of communal areas and sleeping quarters, the quality of food provided and adherence to hygiene and other health and safety requirements. It is the Government's intention that the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) will monitor permanent International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres against national standards as part of transitional arrangements for moving to the new model. It is important that compliance with the national standards should be measured through on-site assessment. Planning is well advanced on this process.
Due to the current accommodation crisis, there have been no IPPS inspections carried out in Sligo or Leitrim this year, as the focus has been on procuring suitable accommodation for arrivals. There have been five accommodation centres opened in Sligo since the beginning of this year, which are subject to inspection prior to use.
QTS are currently carrying out inspections on all permanent centres. There is currently one permanent accommodation centre in both Leitrim and Sligo, and it is anticipated that these inspections will be completed by the end of this month.
