Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
133. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on dealings with residents of Kilbride IPAS centre, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55720/23]
View answer142. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on his dealings with the management of Kilbride IPAS centre, County Wicklow, in relation to facilities at the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55721/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 142 together.
The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) Customer Service team has been engaging with residents on a regular basis in relation to issues raised and continuously communicates with them in relation to the ongoing accommodation crisis.
A joint clinic with the Resident Welfare Team was conducted on 7th November 2023 and a further Customer Service clinic was held on 23rd November 2023. The Customer Service team has also committed to conduct another clinic before the end of 2023 and will continue to attend the centre as often as practicable.
The IPAS Centre Management Team has been actively engaging with the service provider in relation to the issues raised at welfare clinics in order to improve the overall level of service and accommodation being provided to our residents in Kilbride.
IPAS is always available to deal with any complaints from residents and residents are encouraged to engage with IPAS if they are unhappy with any aspect of their accommodation. Where a complaint is significant in nature or a resident is not comfortable raising a complaint with a centre manager, they may make the complaint directly, or through a representative authorised to act on their behalf, to the IPAS Customer Service Team.
If they wish to request IPAS accommodation they may contact the IPAS helpdesk to seek advice. The IPAS helpdesk can be contacted by email: ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie
In the event of a resident not feeling comfortable with contacting the Department directly or the centre management, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) operate a confidential support helpline for all residents being accommodated by IPAS. The Freephone helpline is operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). If a resident wishes, a complaint made through this service may be passed, in confidence, to IPAS for investigation and resolution. All residents have access to this independent support helpline. IPAS is working to facilitate clinics at centres, in line with public health restrictions. The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) helpline contact number is 1800 929 00 or email: info@jrs.ie
