Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2023
479. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what action is taken when a vulnerability assessment is received on behalf of an individual in IPAS accommodation; how long it takes for that action to be taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41166/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraVulnerability assessments are administered using a questionnaire and referral process. Questionnaires are available to applicants in a number of languages in all International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation centres, and via the IPAS website.
The Resident Welfare Team (RWT) has four Assessment Officers and three Social Work professionals seconded to it on a full time basis who can make a determination of a person’s vulnerability status and reception needs.
Assessment Officers from the RWT review all returned questionnaires and referral forms in order to make a determination of the applicant’s vulnerability status. Where the assessment indicates that the person has one or more vulnerabilities within the meaning of the law governing vulnerability assessments, the person’s reception needs will be determined in the light of the vulnerabilities identified.
Not every vulnerability requires special intervention – for example, every child or pregnant woman is identified by default as ‘vulnerable’ under the Regulations, but their needs are routinely met in IPAS accommodation or through referral to other relevant public services.
Where a vulnerability is identified which may require special intervention, and consent is given by the applicant, the Assessment Officer may contact them to discuss their vulnerabilities and reception needs further by scheduling a telephone appointment for the next available date.
In some cases, where an assessment indicates high levels of vulnerabilities, the Assessment Officer may refer the person for further assessment(s) with an IPAS Social Worker.
The RWT also holds regular vulnerability assessment clinics in IPAS centres, where residents have an opportunity to discuss any special reception needs with the RWT directly. Where possible, these clinics are held in conjunction with the consultative clinics held by the IPAS Customer Service Team, ensuring that residents have an ongoing opportunity to engage directly with IPAS staff, and any issues can be addressed quickly and effectively by IPAS.
Given the ongoing challenges faced by IPAS with sourcing accommodation, the RWT has been working closely with the IPAS Customer Service and Centre Management teams, as well as centre staff and NGOs, to ensure that any special reception needs can be addressed in the person’s centre through the provision of relevant training and guidance for centre staff and advice and support for those who require it.
In cases where significant vulnerabilities or complex needs have been identified, the RWT may refer a person to the Intake and Reception and Resident Mobility Teams in IPAS to address specific accommodation recommendations or requirements. These teams will then identify the most suitable accommodation for the applicant. This is done within the overall constraints of the accommodation available, which means that it is not always possible for IPAS to address all identified vulnerabilities optimally when allocating accommodation. Where possible, IPAS will improve the alignment between accommodation and vulnerabilities where accommodation that is more appropriate becomes available.
Ongoing demands on the service due to the significantly increased numbers of arrivals has resulted in wait times for assessments being affected. However the programme remains available to all IPs who wish to access it, and every effort is made to prioritise cases where a vulnerability has been identified.
