Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
518. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the standards in place in direct provision centres governing day-to-day conditions, including the quality of beds and furniture, quality of food, provision of study facilities for children preparing for exams and access to visitors. [35844/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll contracts with service providers for the provision of accommodation include the following clause:
"It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to ensure that the premises complies and operates in accordance with all relevant statutory requirements of Local Authorities and other Agencies in relation to planning, building, bye-laws, bedroom capacity, food, food hygiene, water supply, sewage disposal, fire precautions, minimum pay, legally binding industrial or sectoral agreements and health and general safety, including:
- Building Control Acts 1990 and 2007;
- Building Regulations 1997 to 2007;
- Building Control Regulations 1997 to 2004;
- Employment Permit Acts, 2003 and 2006;
- European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2000;
- European Communities (Hygiene of Foodstuffs) Regulations 2000 and 2005;
- European Communities (Official Control of Foodstuffs) Regulations 1998;
- Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003;
- Food Hygiene Regulations, 2000;
- Housing Acts, 1966 to 2004;
- Industrial Relations Acts 1946 to 2004;
- National Minimum Wage Act 2000;
- Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2005;
- Private Security Services Act, 2004;
- Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act, 2005;
- Tourist Traffic Acts, 1939 to 2003;
- Any statutory modification or re-enactment of same; and,
- Any other relevant Act or Regulations as may be notified by the Minister to the Contractor."
In addition to the legal and regulatory requirements outlined in the above contract clause, the Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department oversees its own robust system of inspections, both internal and independent, to ensure that the accommodation provided is of a suitable standard and that the terms and conditions of the contract are met at all times. All centres operate a system whereby residents can alert management when an item of furniture or other item is in need of maintenance or replacement. It is also open to the resident to use the complaints system if they believe that their complaint has not been properly dealt with. In addition, food in centres is subject to inspection by the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) at any time in respect of food storage, temperature and preparation. Access to visitors is governed by the House Rules and child protection policy considerations.
The recommendations in the Working Group Report, also referred to as the McMahon Report, in relation to standards in State provided accommodation are under examination by a sub-group comprising representatives from my Department, other State agencies and representatives from the NGO sector. The work of this group is still progressing. This is alongside other major projects, such as improved cooking and living facilities, which are being rolled out across a number of State provided accommodation centres.
