Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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66. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the establishment of an independent complaints mechanism for those living in direct provision. [15645/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I have agreed that the remit of the Offices of the Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children should be extended to allow them to receive complaints from persons residing in State provided accommodation. The necessary logistical and administrative steps have been put in place to allow this to be introduced and it is expected to be operational in the coming weeks. Briefings and training are currently underway by both offices to residents and managers alike.I am delighted that this now gives effect to one of the key recommendations of the Report of the Working Group on Improvements to the Protection Process, including Direct Provision and other supports for Asylum Seekers.

The type of complaints that will be accepted will be those relating to the services provided to protection applicants in their State provided accommodation centre. Complaints relating to the international protection process itself will not fall within this arrangement.