Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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687. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will direct the Reception and Integration Agency, RIA, to update its commercial contract for the awarding of tenders to operate direct provision centres to ensure that the RIA and his Department are informed immediately when an internal investigation commences on the issues of child protection and-or sexual abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39000/17]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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All current contracts and any subsequent contracts awarded following a tendering process will require the contractor to fully implement the Reception and Integration Agency's (RIA) Child Protection Policy.

The Policy clearly sets out the obligations on a contractor and contains procedures in the event of an allegation concerning staff, service providers and visitors being made. Where an allegation is made, the procedure requires the Designated Liaison Person in the accommodation centre to inform centre management/contractor and the Child and Family Services Unit in RIA and to ensure, as far as is possible, that all necessary measures are taken to ensure child safety. In such cases, the parents/guardian of the child should be kept informed at all times of actions taken in relation to the matter. In addition, any allegations of child abuse, whether against a parent, other resident, or member of staff must be simultaneously reported to the local TUSLA social work team as well as the Child and Family Unit in RIA. TUSLA remains the organisation with statutory responsibility for investigating and assessing child abuse. Out of hours or when a concern is very serious, centre management and staff are advised to contact An Garda Síochána.

All policy documents and codes of practice that contractors are obliged to implement, including RIA's Child Protection Policy, are available on the RIA website at .