Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2019
143. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of unannounced inspections for each direct provision accommodation centre carried out by the Reception and Integration Agency in each of the years 2013 to 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22393/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) oversees a comprehensive and detailed inspections system of accommodation centres for people seeking international protection. Inspections are carried out by an in-house inspectorate within RIA and also by an independent company.
The contract for independent inspections is currently held by QTS Ltd. As far as possible, every effort is made to inspect accommodation centres three times annually - twice by the internal RIA inspection team and once by the independent inspection company QTS. The purpose of an inspection is to assess the physical condition of the centre and to ensure that the services contracted by RIA are being delivered by the contractor. All inspections carried out by RIA staff or the external inspection company are unannounced.
All RIA accommodation centres are also subject to inspection by various other statutory bodies in relation to activities carried out on site, on the same basis as any entity providing accommodation, catering and other services. These may be either announced or unannounced. These include inspections with regard to fire safety, food and environmental safety, child welfare and inspections into on-site pre-schools/creches where applicable.
The statistical data the Deputy requires is attached in tabular form with this reply.
