Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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535. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will clarify the guidelines in relation to donations such as food, toiletries and toys to direct provision centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40243/20]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department does not have a formal policy regarding donations to centres. It is a decision for the management of each centre to make, subject to the facilities available to receive and store such donations and the IPAS 'Living with COVID Plan'. In alignment with the 'National Living with Covid Response' plan, the IPAS Covid response plan, restricts visitors to centres at certain levels, from level 3 to 5. Those wishing to make donations should contact the centre management with regard to the requirements for complying with public health regulations and avoiding Covid transmission risks. Friends of the Centre groups may also be able to offer advice on making donations to specific centres.

The Deputy may wish to note that toiletries and food are provided to all residents residing in centres as part of the IPAS accommodation centre model. They are provided free of charge through either the food halls where the independent living model is in place, or directly via centre catering and reception facilities where independent living is not yet available.