Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
119. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware The Health Information and Quality Authority has raised concerns with the Government over why staff in accommodation centres housing Ukrainian refugees, including children, are not being vetted by An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55579/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, as part of the Whole of Government response my Department has worked extensively to support over 101,700 people who have sought temporary protection in Ireland in fleeing the war in Ukraine, over 73,300 of whom have sought State supported accommodation.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, my Department has contracted in excess of 59,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in approximately 990 mainly commercial settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.?
My Department was in communication with HIQA in June of this year in relation to the matter of Garda Vetting in accommodation settings for BOTPs that are funded by my Department.
Garda Vetting of employees is a matter for employers in these commercial settings to manage in accordance with national law. My Department does not directly employ any staff in accommodation settings for Ukraine. It is incumbent on accommodation providers, under contract to my Department, to inform themselves of their legal obligations in this regard, and take all necessary and appropriate steps. Each contractor is responsible for their Child Safeguarding policy and for assessing whether they have an obligation under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 to vet their staff.
My Department makes specific reference to legal, industry requirements and best practices in contracts agreed with providers, and it is incumbent on providers to adhere to them. Under their contracts, Service providers are obliged to adhere to good industry practice and comply with all applicable laws including but not limited to all obligations in the field of health and safety, environmental, social, child protection and labour law. It should be noted that the vast majority of children seeking shelter in Ireland remain in the care of the parents / guardians while in State secured and private accommodation. Any unaccompanied children are assisted by Tusla.
