Direct Provision System

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017

Tuesday, 2 May 2017

Ceisteanna (171)

Jonathan O'Brien

Ceist:

171. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she will commission a nutritional audit of direct provision centres. [20315/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

Recommendation 4.102 of the McMahon Report recommends that "RIA [Reception & Integration Agency] should engage a suitably qualified person to conduct a nutrition audit to ensure that the food served meets the required standards...". The McMahon Report lists some 173 recommendations, some of which required legislative changes or physical, constructional changes to be implemented. My Department is tracking and publishing progress on the recommendations.

In relation to this specific recommendation, RIA has been in contact with the HSE to progress this matter across all centres. If the HSE are not available to provide such a service, options will be explored to source this from commercial providers.

Question No. 172 answered with Question No. 114.