Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2017
106. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to serious issues at a direct provision centre (details supplied); and the steps he will take to address same. [51322/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn recent weeks my Department has become aware of allegations in relation to pests and night time security services at the accommodation centre in question. These complaints were raised with the Manager of the centre and she has advised that, as is normal in any premises where food is being prepared under Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)conditions, there is a pest control system in place provided by a pest control company for health and safety reasons. As a result, there are bait boxes strategically placed around the Centre as preventative measures.
With regard to the provision of night time security, the front door of the building is locked every night at 10pm for the safety of all residents. There is a night porter working at reception which is located beside the front door. The only time he leaves the front desk is to patrol the building to ensure that every area is safe. There is a CCTV system covering public access and common areas installed in the accommodation Centre. This allows the night porter to monitor any person trying to gain access to the centre.
While there have been no complaints received by my Department in relation to the cleanliness of the bathrooms or hygiene standards in the kitchen, the Centre's Manager has confirmed that the bathrooms are cleaned on at least a daily basis and are inspected regularly throughout the day. It is a condition of all contracts for accommodation centres for those in the protection process that a food management system incorporating the principles of HACCP is in place. This is in accordance with the European Community (Hygiene of Foodstuff) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No. 165 of 2000).
In addition to regular inspections carried out by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA), as well as an independent inspection service, all accommodation centres are subject to unannounced inspections by state bodies such as Environmental Health Officers and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. The Centre was inspected by staff from the Reception and Integration Agency on 25 May 2017 and no issues were identified. Inspection Reports are available to view on www.ria-inspections.gov.ie. In addition, regular clinics are held by RIA staff at accommodation centres. A clinic was held at this centre on the 2 October 2017 and again, none of the issues outlined in the Deputy's question were raised by residents.
All persons under 18 years of age in accommodation centres under contract to the Department are in the company of their parents or guardians. Unaccompanied minors are the statutory responsibility of TUSLA. TUSLA provide advice to the Department as to whether a person is a minor or otherwise and appropriate accommodation is then provided by either my Department or TUSLA as the case may be.
