Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
408. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he can give assurances that transport issues (details supplied) at Kilbride Army Base International Protection Centre will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8635/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra409. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to give particular attention to IPAS applicants at Kilbride Army Base who have been accommodated at the isolated site for almost ten months since 20 May 2023; and process the request (details supplied) for a transfer to a more suitable location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8636/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 408 and 409 together.
The Department is not in a position to comment on individual cases.
The Deputy will be aware of the shortage of accommodation for single male applicants for international protection. IPAS is unable to offer transfers to alternative accommodation on request at this time, due to unprecedented pressure on the accommodation portfolio.
The IPAS Centre Management Team has been actively engaging with the management of Kilbride Army Camp in relation to the issues raised at previous clinics in order to improve the overall level of service and accommodation being provided to our residents in Kilbride.
The Customer Services Team has conducted four resident clinics at the centre since November 2023 and is committed to visiting on a regular basis.
IPAS staff have engaged with the management of Kilbride Army Camp in relation to the provision of transport for residents.
The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is always available to deal with any complaints from residents and residents are encouraged to engage with IPAS if they are unhappy with any aspect of their accommodation. Where a complaint is significant in nature or a resident is not comfortable raising a complaint with a centre manager, they may make the complaint directly, or through a representative authorised to act on their behalf, to the IPAS Customer Service Team.
The IPAS helpdesk can be contacted by email at ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie.
In the event of a resident not feeling comfortable with contacting the Department directly or the centre management, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) operate a confidential support Freephone helpline 1800 929 00 or email: info@jrs.ie.
All International Protection Applicants have access to the services of the Ombudsman and Office of the Ombudsman for Children, should they consider that their complaint has not been managed appropriately.
