Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2020
426. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will address a matter regarding a direct provision centre (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5465/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will appreciate, this is a public health situation, the response to which is being led by HSE Public Health, as is appropriate. My Department and centre management are working closely with the HSE to implement their public health advice.
Testing of residents and staff has been completed in Cahersiveen by HSE Public Health.
In line with our agreed policy with the HSE, anyone with a positive COVID-19 result has been transferred to an offsite self-isolation facility where they are cared for until such time as the HSE considers that they can safely return to their centre. The offsite facilities are supported by a non-profit (Section 39) organisation and healthcare staff.
The HSE has confirmed to us that there should be no movement into or out of the centre at this time, unless directed by public health. Residents have been asked by the HSE to remain in the centre while they continue to monitor the situation.
We know that the current restrictions are difficult for residents but the purpose of this HSE guidance is to protect the health of residents, staff and the wider community. We are working closely with the HSE and centre management to provide additional supports for residents during this time. There is a HSE Community Development Worker onsite at the centre seven days a week to monitor the health of residents. This person is supported by a wider healthcare team. Additional outdoor space has been opened up with some seating provided and, this week, exercise equipment is being set up in the outdoor area for residents’ use. Arrangements have also been made to ensure that any items residents require can be ordered from local shops and delivered to the centre.
There are currently 69 residents onsite, which is well below the contracted capacity for 150 residents. The reduced occupancy is helping residents to observe social and physical distancing during this time.
Guidance has been provided by the HSE to centre management on the enhanced cleaning arrangements required at this time including through an onsite visit by a HSE infection control specialist. This applies to bedrooms, corridors, staircases, the dining room, kitchen, laundry room, lift, public toilets and reception and public areas. We are advised that this is being strictly adhered to by centre management and staff.
The centre is currently catered with three meals and snacks being provided to residents daily. In line with overall policy objectives the service provider plans to introduce independent living arrangements with cooking facilities for residents in the coming period. In the meantime, we have asked centre management to work with residents to find out about preferred meals and we have asked staff to source and provide ethnic snacks for residents. Kettles have been provided in rooms so that residents can make refreshments throughout the day rather than using communal facilities and meals are also being delivered to rooms. The centre has a good Wi-Fi service and phone credit has also been provided for residents so that they can keep in touch with family and friends.
By way of background, in the very early stages of the pandemic, a decision was taken to move residents out of Dublin hotels, which were being used on a temporary basis but were not in the exclusive use of the Department and therefore a potential risk to residents from a public health point of view. This relocation process was carried out in full consultation and agreement with the HSE National Social Inclusion Office, which is providing a lead to our International Protection Accommodation Service regarding public health. These residents were transferred to two accommodation centres on 18 and 19 March 2020, some eight weeks ago. I can confirm to the Deputy that no resident was awaiting testing or test results at the time the transfers were made. I can also confirm to the Deputy that the Department was not aware of any other guest at the source hotels being suspected or confirmed with the virus at the time the moves were planned or implemented.
We recognise that this is a difficult time for our residents, centre staff and the wider community. Working closely with the HSE, we are committed to taking all necessary measures to protect their health and safety.
