Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 May 2021
437. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will address the reports of a death in Mosney direct provision centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22999/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the sad case to which the Deputy refers and I want to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the deceased who I understand had been very unwell for some time and was receiving treatment for complex medical needs.
In keeping with relevant provisions in the International Protection Act 2015 safeguarding the identity of protection applicants, and, out of respect for the deceased's next of kin, I will not be commenting further on the specific details of this case.
I would however caution that great care and compassion should always be taken in reporting on such events, particularly on social media platforms, to avoid adding to the distress of family and friends of the deceased and afford them the necessary privacy to come to terms with their sad loss.
In the event of the death of a resident at a centre a critical incident policy is in place to provide guidelines for staff in the International Protection Accommodation Service of my Department (IPAS) and accommodation centre managers and staff. IPAS officials work closely with the centre manager to assist the person’s next of kin, if known, in accessing the supports provided by the State, and to offer supports to any residents affected by the death. Where children are involved, the family is linked with Tusla to provide relevant supports.
Under the Critical Incident Policy any death or very serious incident that occurs within accommodation centres provided by the Department is referred to the Gardaí as a matter of course and, where appropriate, the Gardaí will in turn refer those deaths to the local Coroner’s office. Where cause of death has not already been certified by a qualified medical practitioner, investigations and inquests into the cause of a death are matters for those authorities.
I can also advise that my Department has developed a new policy on the collation and provision of statistics on our accommodation centres. The draft policy is currently undergoing final clearance by senior officials within the Department and will cover any interactions with relevant state authorities who have a role in the recording of a death including the Garda Síochána, the Coroner’s Office and the General Registry Office. It will also cover the provision of statistics on known historical deaths of residents.
