Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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362. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of Covid-19 cases in direct provision centres in Portarlington, County Laois and Monasterevin and Newbridge, County Kildare; if there have been deaths due to Covid-19 in these centres; his plans to ensure all residents and staff in these centres are tested for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8904/20]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, the COVID-19 pandemic is a public health crisis, the response to which is being led by HSE Public Health, as is appropriate. My Department and management across our network of accommodation centres (both permanent and temporary) are working closely with the HSE to implement their public health advice.

With regard to medical information such as testing, test results and the release of data relating to same, the Deputy will appreciate that these are matters for the HSE in a public health context. Both the HSE and my Department are committed to protecting the medical confidentiality of our residents.

I can confirm that, in line with our agreed policy with the HSE, any centre resident with a positive COVID-19 result has been transferred to an offsite self-isolation facility where they are cared for until such time as the HSE considers that they can safely return to their centre. The offsite facilities are supported by a non-profit (Section 39) organisation and healthcare staff.

My Department and I will continue to work hard with local management, health agencies, and NGOs to provide every support possible to our residents at this difficult time.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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363. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will respond to concerns raised by residents (details supplied) regarding direct provision accommodation. [8914/20]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy that we are taking the issues raised in this correspondence extremely seriously. The welfare of residents is, at all times, our key concern. We are examining all the issues raised in the correspondence and an official from my Department has made direct contact with the Group to discuss their concerns.

My officials will hold a virtual clinic with residents later this week to hear from them directly, with interpreters available as needed.

Residents have also been reminded that the national telephone support service run by the Jesuit Refugee Service is also available to them as an additional confidential support. This is a Freephone number and was highlighted to residents by way of a leaflet drop to the centre last week.