Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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14. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the purpose of a meeting, attended by the reception and integration agency of her Department, with over 40 participants from direct provision centres, managers and owners, at a centre in Knockalisheen in County Clare on 3 June 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26908/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that a training course for staff from 7 centres, along with staff from the Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) was held over 2 days, namely 2 and 3 June, 2015 at Knockalisheen accommodation centre. There were 18 people in attendance including trainers.

This training has been organised as part of the roll-out of RIA's policy in respect of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence and Harassment. The policy document itself is available on RIA's website at www.ria.gov.ie. The policy was produced by a working group comprising representatives from RIA, Cosc (the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence), AkiDwA (migrant women's network), Ruhama, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Domestic Violence and Advocacy Service, the Irish Refugee Council and the UNHCR. The policy is being introduced to help provide advice and support to staff and residents where such a need arises at any accommodation centre.

The Policy recognises that RIA and the centres under contract to it have a duty of care to all residents. This duty requires RIA to provide safe accommodation which promotes the well being of all of its residents. RIA will be implementing an integrated and coordinated response to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence & harassment within our network of reception / accommodation centres and in cooperation with the network of support services around these centres.

To date there have been training courses on 20-21 May and 10-11 June 2015 at Mosney accommodation centre, on 16-17 June in Old Convent accommodation centre in Ballyhaunis, Mayo, and 2-3 June and 1-2 July at Knockalisheen.