Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2024
130. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide all Members of Dáil Éireann with the contract that is provided to new IPAS accommodation providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4467/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraContractual arrangements for the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) are commercially sensitive.
The health and wellbeing of all residents in IPAS centres is of the highest priorit.
All of the Department’s international protection accommodation centres are contractually bound to provide menus that reasonably meet the dietary needs of the different ethnic groups accommodated at the centre and the prescribed dietary needs of any person accommodated at the centre. Menus must include a vegetarian option and all food products provided must have a traceability system that complies with food safety requirements. Accommodation centres that offer catered options provide three meals per day, however they must also have a range of snacks available including fresh fruit and drinks.
In order to ensure compliance with these contractual obligations, accommodation centres are subject to regular unannounced inspections by both Department officials in IPAS and an independent inspectorate company (QTS Limited). These inspections are generally undertaken, twice yearly by officials in IPAS and once yearly by QTS Limited. Part of the inspection process deals directly with the provision of food services. Meals are assessed during inspection for quality, cultural appropriateness and variety of menu options. Any issues identified are notified to the contractor to be addressed immediately.
In IPAS accommodation centres that provide for self-catering, a food hall is available to provide food and other household and hygiene products free of charge through a points based system. The foods available to residents in such centres generally include a wide range of fresh meats, fruit, vegetables and ethnic goods. Residents can carry over points not used in any one week to the next week, subject to a maximum of four weeks. There is also a contractual obligation for the service provider in these centres to consult with residents on the foods and other items made available.
When new accommodation centres are contracted by the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) through a Request for Tender (RFT) process, there are strict requirements in the form of supports and services that must be provided for children, if accommodated at the centre.
Supports and services for children are required to ensure that they are safe from harm, active and healthy and achieving their full potential in their development. This includes (but is not limited to) education-related supports including access to a quiet space for homework/study, sporting and recreational activities and age-appropriate toys and equipment.
Access to a range of adequate and accessible play, sports and recreational facilities, both indoor and outdoor, within the locale must be provided or facilitated to meet the needs of children or young people.
Children under school-going age must have access to a crèche/ pre-school within walking distance.
Children First training is provided to all staff in IPAS accommodation centres and the training is provided by IPAS.
The staffing service must include provision for:
• Identifying and linking young people and families with the appropriate community supports;
• Supporting young persons to identify their interests and to support parents with parenting.
A member of the centre's management team must be designated as a Child and Youth Support Officer assigned particular responsibility for providing age-appropriate services and supports for children and young people.
The Child and Youth Support Officer must be fully trained in Child Safeguarding and Children First procedures as required under legislation and have appropriate experience and training in working with children and young people. They also must hold at minimum a QQI Level 6 qualification in social care or equivalent.
Within the accommodation centre, information including notices about online safety must be available to children, young people and parents.
In terms of Emergency accommodation centres, the following services and supports are included in the contract for providers:
• Garda Vetting is a requirement for any staff who undertake work, which a necessary and regular part of consists of having access to, or contact with, children;
• The accommodation provider must comply with and implement the provisions of the Children’s First Act 2015, in particular the requirement to have a Child Safeguarding Statement and acceptance of the requirement for accommodation managers and/or designated liaison persons to be "mandated reporting persons" within the meaning of the Act;
• A suitable private area must be available for the use of the international protection applicant, IPAS and the agencies providing services to applicants such as HSE, Department of Social Protection and Tusla Education Support Services; and
• The accommodation provider is required to make suitable arrangements for transport as required including to and from schools.
