Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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580. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding direct provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31092/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy's question refers to a letter from an organisation which seeks, inter alia, for the Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) to be allowed inspect direct provision hostels and for the Ombudsman for Children to be given jurisdiction in the direct provision system.

In relation to the role of the Ombudsman for Children, section 11(1) (e) of the Ombudsman for Children's Act, 2002 provide that the Ombudsman for Children shall not investigate any action taken by or on behalf of a person in the administration of the law relating to, inter alia, asylum. Section 5 (1) (e) of the Ombudsman Act, 1980 makes similar provision in relation to the role of the Ombudsman. Whilst there are no plans to change those legislative provisions,the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), including RIA, has administrative arrangements in place with both Offices to assist and provide information on matters brought to its attention by them.

With regard to the issue of independent inspections of direct provision centres undertaken through HIQA, RIA centres are already subject to an extensive inspection regime involving inspections three times a year, twice by Department of Justice and Equality staff and once by an independent company. All completed inspections since 1 October, 2013 are being published on RIA’s website.