Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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578. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the percentage of persons working in direct provision centres who have received training on LGBT+ issues in line with indicator 2.4.8(f) of the national standards for direct provision centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23438/20]

Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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579. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of direct provision centres that have leaflets and posters on LGBT+ services in line with indicator 9.1.6 of the national standards for direct provision centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23439/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 578 and 579 together.

The National Standards for Accommodation offered to persons in the international protection process were published in August 2019 and are due to come into force in January 2021. The National Standards apply to the living conditions and services provided to residents within accommodation centres. They apply to all service providers contracted by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department to operate and manage accommodation and reception centres.

The National Standards were developed through an Advisory Group that included representatives from Government Departments, state agencies, UNHCR Ireland and the NGO sector. The Standards will address a range of themes including accommodation; food and catering; individual, community and family life; health and wellbeing; governance; and meeting the special reception needs of applicants.  These reforms aim to build on the improvements arising from recommendations in the McMahon Report and meet the requirements of the EU Recast Reception Conditions Directive (Directive 2013/33/EU) which we voluntarily opted into in June 2018. 

While my Department currently holds responsibility for the implementation of standards and reception conditions, this responsibility will transfer to my colleague, the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration once the necessary secondary legislation is completed.

A White Paper considering the totality of the international protection process, including the provision of accommodation, is due to be published by the end of this year. It will be a matter for Minister O’Gorman to decide on how the National Standards will be implemented as part of this process.

A Policy and Practice Document on safeguarding residents against Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence and Harassment is implemented in our accommodation centres, which includes safeguarding residents from harassment or violence based on their sexual orientation.

IPAS staff are present at the International Protection Office when a person first applies for international protection. Should an applicant require accommodation or other services, IPAS determines the most suitable accommodation based on the needs of each individual or family group.  Where a person discloses their self-determined identity to IPAS, they are, in so far as is possible and practicable, assigned accommodation based on their needs. This determination may include the provision of shared accommodation with a partner who is also seeking accommodation or being accommodated within the Direct Provision system.  This would, of course, only apply where this information is disclosed.

At any time during their stay in an accommodation centre, a resident has the option to request a transfer to a more suitable centre.  The policy of IPAS is to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of all residents. Staff working in accommodation centres receive regular training to equip them with the skills to support all residents.

IPAS liaises with State and NGO support agencies to assist our residents who may need guidance or support.  In this regard, LGBT Ireland work with residents in our centres who identify as LGBTI+.