Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2024
505. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the child protection measures, if any, that have already been put in place at a location (details supplied) to ensure the safety and security of all children accommodated there. [21229/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe requirement to have adequate security forms part of the contract to accommodate International Protection (IP) applicants. The Department requires that centres are adequately staffed for the running of the centre and that there is a 24/7 staff presence. The particular security needs of each centre are assessed by each provider and agreed with the Department prior to the opening of the centre.
When new International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) Centres open, a designated member of IPAS is responsible for notifying the centre management that it is mandatory that all staff complete the Children First e-learning module. The designated member also ensures that centre managers are categorised as Designated Liaison Persons under Children First, and notifies them that they are required to make mandatory reports of concerns relating to children resident in their centres.
The designated member also monitors the centre’s adherence with requirements of the TUSLA Child Safeguarding Statement Compliance Unit. Where centres have not submitted their Child Safeguarding Statement to the Compliance Unit, they are asked by IPAS to submit the Statement and compliance letter to IPAS when complete. IPAS is also engaging with TUSLA in respect of its report entitled ‘Child Safeguarding Statement Sector Compliance Review: International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS)’ which was developed by the Child Safeguarding Statement Compliance Unit in August 2023. IPAS will continue to engage with TUSLA in respect of the report’s findings and recommendations.
IPAS continues a programme of Child Protection briefings to management and staff in all IPAS accommodation centres. The main focus of these briefings is on reporting child welfare concerns to TUSLA and An Garda Síochána and they engage with centre managers in relation to all related child safeguarding procedures. The IPAS Child Safeguarding Statement has been published on the IPAS website.
