Asylum Seekers

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2022

Tuesday, 18 October 2022

Ceisteanna (572)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

572. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the engagements that he has had with HIQA over inspections for IPAS contracted properties. [51896/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As the Deputy is aware, my Department is currently working with the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) to implement the commitment for HIQA to monitor International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres against National Standards adopted in 2019 and in effect since the beginning of 2021.

As part of the development of the inspection process, HIQA established an advisory group. This group comprised members from my Department and other stakeholder organisations. The group has met on three occasions to date.

My Department hold monthly meetings with HIQA to advance this project. We continue to have a strong working relationship, and are in regular contact in relation to this topic.