Persons arriving in Ireland under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme are initially accommodated in Emergency Reception and Accommodation Centres (EROCS).
Three EROCs are in operation. These are:
- The Abbeyfield Hotel, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon
- The Clonea Strand Hotel, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
- Mosney Accommodation Centre, Co. Meath
Information in relation to the numbers accommodated in such centres including the length of time these persons have been accommodated is currently being compiled and will be provided directly to the Deputy in the coming days.
It should be noted that accommodating persons in EROCs is considered to be good practice as it allows for a period of acclimatisation, de-stressing and on-site processing. It is also a process that is supported by the UNHCR as best practice. The services provided in EROCs include education, the services of a General Practitioner, HSE medical screening and access to the services of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
Oversight for the conditions in centres is the responsibility of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme within the Department of Justice and Equality. In addition to this, since April 2017, residents in accommodation centres can make complaints to the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children in relation to the services and facilities provided in their accommodation centre.
