Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2020
124. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the dates on which inspections have been carried out at a direct provision centre (details supplied) since 2016; and the outcomes of the inspections. [40654/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAccommodation centres are subject to regular unannounced inspections by both my officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) and an independent inspectorate company (QTS Limited). These inspections are generally undertaken, twice yearly by my officials in IPAS and once yearly by QTS Limited. Inspections cover a wide range of issues including the quality of the food, fire safety and other health and safety issues.
Since 2016 there have been 10 inspections carried out at the accommodation centre referred to by the Deputy. The table below sets out the dates of the inspections.
|
Inspection carried out by |
Date of inspection |
|
QTS Limited |
01/02/2016 |
|
RIA (now known as IPAS) |
29/06/2016 |
|
RIA |
06/12/2016 |
|
RIA |
29/06/2017 |
|
QTS Limited |
03/10/2017 |
|
QTS Limited |
27/06/2018 |
|
QTS Limited |
08/03/2019 |
|
RIA |
14/05/2019-15/05/2019 |
|
IPAS |
09/12/2019 |
|
IPAS |
24/09/2020 |
The reports of inspections dated 01/02/2016 to 03/10/2017 can be accessed at:
http://www.ria-inspections.gov.ie/en/RIAIR/Pages/StPatricks.
Reports dated from 27/06/2018 to present can be accessed at:
http://www.ria.gov.ie/en/RIA/Pages/RIAInspections.
The most recent report of the inspection to the centre has been sent to the centre's management for comment prior to finalisation. This is standard practice. I intend to review the report of the centre and engage with IPAS about its findings and any recommendations. That report will be published shortly thereafter.
In addition, IPAS recently requested QTS Ltd to undertake an inspection in respect of a report of a cockroach infestation in this premises. The inspection took place on 11 November and the inspector concluded that the cockroach infestation was limited to a small annexe accommodation block; it was caught by the routine inspection program; and management were prompt in putting in place necessary containment and control measures. He also concluded that there was not an infestation issue with cockroaches at the time of the inspection as adequate treatment and control measures are in place.
