Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 April 2014
478. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures in place in direct provision centres in circumstances of deaths of residents in terms of notification, burial and communication with other residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17535/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers under the Government policy of direct provision and dispersal. RIA are currently providing accommodation for over 4,300 persons in 34 centres throughout the State. Services to residents of direct provision centres are mainstreamed, including in respect of health and community welfare supports.
In the case of a death that has taken place in a RIA centre, the manager will make urgent contact with local HSE/GP services, An Garda Síochána and RIA.
Where a death has occurred in the centre or in another location such as a hospital, An Garda Síochána will make arrangements to identify next of kin and make the necessary notifications. The centre manager will also inform the local HSE services about the death as they may be in a position to offer bereavement counselling to residents if requested. The residents will normally be notified of the death by the centre manager but the arrangements can vary given that centres range in size from 33 residents to 600 residents. Where residents seek to avail of counselling following a death on an individual basis, they can attend their own GP for referral to counselling services locally. Asylum seekers in direct provision accommodation will have their medical card to cover such eventualities. RIA remains in close contact with the centre throughout the whole process.
Funeral arrangements can vary depending on the wishes of the family. In some cases, burial will take place in Ireland but the family may prefer that the deceased be buried elsewhere. In terms of burial costs, applications are generally made to the Department of Social Protection to provide financial assistance under exceptional needs payments.
The procedures set out above relate only to asylum seekers living in the direct provision system.
