John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

172. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if his attention has been drawn to an incident (details supplied) in a direct provision centre; if he has launched an investigation into the incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35691/20]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the tragic case to which the Deputy refers. However, I am unable to comment on the specific details pertaining to individual cases.

A critical incident policy is in place to provide guidelines for my Department staff and accommodation centre managers and staff in the event of the death of a resident. All deaths and serious incidents that occur within accommodation centres provided by the Department are referred to the Gardaí as a matter of course and the Gardaí in turn refer all deaths to the local Coroner’s office. Investigations and inquests into the cause of a death are matters for those authorities. We will of course act on any recommendations which may be made following completion of these processes.

The pandemic has been difficult for our residents, as for other groups throughout Irish society. Our priority has been to ensure the health of our residents. To that end, we have worked closely with the HSE with regard to the public health requirements needing to be followed when we have positive or suspected cases of Covid-19 in our centres.

It is important to note that services for protection applicants (including health services) are mainstreamed. Protection applicants are linked with primary care services (GPs), are entitled to a medical card while residing in International Protection accommodation. Applicants access health services through the same referral pathways as Irish citizens including referral to disability and mental health services. Every effort is made to ensure that residents' specific needs are met. Where more intensive care needs are identified such cases are referred directly to the HSE.

If a protection applicant chooses to accept an offer of accommodation from the Department, they will, in normal circumstances, be first brought to the National Reception Centre in Balseskin, Dublin. At Balseskin, they will be offered a health assessment by the on-site Health Service Executive (HSE) team which comprises a nurse, nurse specialist, area medical officer, general practitioners (GPs), social worker and psychologist. This ensures that applicants can be assessed for any special reception needs that they may have before they are designated an accommodation centre. Discussions are ongoing between the relevant senior officials in my Department and the HSE to enable formal vulnerability assessments for applicants for international protection to be in place by the end of the year.

My Department is currently developing a White Paper on International Protection that will set out a new model for accommodation for those seeking International Protection in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to abolish Direct Provision. The issue of health supports for vulnerable residents will be considered in this context.