Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
1055. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the serious complaints raised by residents in a direct provision centre (details supplied); if her further attention has been drawn to the transfer requests which have been denied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20908/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to a lack of spare capacity within my Department’s accommodation portfolio, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) has had no other recourse but to contract bed spaces in hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses to meet demand. The premises referred to by the Deputy is one of those premises contracted on an emergency basis.
As it is not contracted as a Direct Provision Centre, the inspection regime operated by my Department does not apply to this premises. This is because the inspection regime is designed to monitor compliance against contractual obligations that Direct Provision service providers must meet. Our stated aim is to reduce the reliance on such emergency accommodation but given existing demand, that can only be achieved through increasing the number of dedicated Direct Provision bed spaces. It has not been possible to open additional new centres during the pandemic.
IPAS officials have visited the premises and have spoken with residents via online clinics. They were satisfied that the premises is clean, safe and meeting the needs of residents. In addition, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) visited the premises in February 2020 as part of a wider tour of such accommodation premises and did not raise any concerns with my Department.
The concerns now raised by residents will be fully investigated by my officials as a matter of priority to assess how best they can be addressed. Any resolutions required will be implemented as quickly as possible.
Normal transfers between centres have been suspended during the pandemic, unless there are urgent medical needs or for the safety and security of residents. As the main restrictions cease, requests will be considered in the coming days, depending on the availability of suitable alternative accommodation.
