Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022
670. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will address a matter regarding the death of a person (details supplied); and the steps he is taking to end the current direct provision system. [14338/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy officials at the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) have informed me that a death has taken place in an IPAS accommodation centre. I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased. The IPAS Critical Incident Policy ensures that any death that occurs within accommodation centres provided by the Department is referred to An Garda Síochána as a matter of course.
An Garda Síochána then refer all deaths to the local Coroner’s office. Residents and centre staff are provided with the necessary supports during this difficult time. The Department does not comment on individual cases.
Furthermore, IPAS has also developed a new policy on recording and reporting of deaths of residents which sets out the procedures to be followed by its staff and by centre managers when notified of the death of a person who is resident in IPAS accommodation. This is in parallel with the IPAS critical incident policy.
The policy has been in operation since June 2021. This policy is intended to balance the need for openness and transparency in all State organisations in the provision of information to the public, with the expectation of privacy and consideration of the sensitive nature surrounding the death of any individual for their family and friends.
In the case of international protection applicants, regard must also be had for the legal obligation to protect the anonymity of international protection applicants during the protection process.
As the Deputy is aware, work is ongoing to implement the new model of accommodation foreseen in the White Paper to End Direct Provision and to Establish a New International Protection Support Service. The current focus is on acquiring Phase Two accommodation and on getting Approved Housing Bodies to acquire and manage Phase Two properties. These are the properties to which applicants for international protection will move after their first four months in international protection accommodation.
