Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
554. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the recent HIQA report which found that the human rights of residents were not consistently promoted, respected or upheld at the Knockalisheen direct provision centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18771/24]
View answerI am aware of the publication of an inspection report following the inspection of Knockalisheen International Protection Accommodation Centres carried out by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) earlier this year.
The purpose of these inspections is to ensure that Centres are fulfilling their obligations under the ‘National Standards for accommodation offered to people in the protection process’ (“National Standards”) adopted in 2019 and in effect since the beginning of 2021.
The National Standards address a range of issues relating to accommodation; food and catering; individual, community and family life; health and wellbeing; governance; and meeting the special reception needs of applicants seeking international protection. Compliance with the National Standards can only be adequately measured through on-site assessment.
I acknowledge that partial compliance and non-compliance with the National Standards has been identified at Knockalisheen during the course of these inspections.
A bespoke Compliance Plan has been agreed between HIQA and the service provider of Knockalisheen International Protection Accommodation Centre. These Compliance Plans note the specific and time-bound measures which will be taken in order to ensure full compliance with the National Standards.
International Protection Accommodation Services within my Department will be engaging directly with the service provider of Knockalisheen to issue guidance and assistance in order to ensure adherence to agreed Compliance Plans.
