Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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183. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the residents of a centre (details supplied) have been moved to hotels to self-isolate after a widespread Covid-19 outbreak there; the measures that will be taken to prevent a similar outbreak in the future considering the communal living and the lack of social distancing possible in congregated settings such as direct provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30182/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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My Department is guided by the advice of Public Health officials in each Community Health Organisation area as regards how cases of COVID-19 at our accommodation centres in each region are to be managed, including decisions on when and where testing and off-site isolation is deemed necessary. Where off-site isolation is deemed necessary, a resident is moved to the off-site facility and supported while there.

All centres are following the guidelines that were published by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). These are publicly available at its website - www.hpsc.ie.

That guidance exists precisely because it is recognised that congregated settings such as IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Service) accommodation centres present specific challenges in this pandemic.

A wide range of measures have been put in place across the accommodation network to address any COVID-19 related issues should they arise.? These measures were implemented in collaboration with the HSE and are informed by regional public health officials and infection control teams from the HSE. ?  

The measures, which are kept under regular review by a joint HSE/DCEDIY monitoring group, include:

- Provision for self-isolation facilities in centres and offsite self-isolation at HSE and IPAS isolation facilities

- Increased capacity to support physical and  social distancing

- Enhanced cleaning regimes and provision of PPE

- Regular communications and information, translated into several languages, on public health advice to residents and centre managers

- Provision of a free, confidential and independent support line for residents operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service

- Cocooning of all medically vulnerable and over 65 residents  

The most recent Covid-19 related guidelines for IPAS Accommodation Centres were communicated to all residents on 18 May 2021. This document replaces the previous IPAS 'Living with COVID' plan. The new guidelines explain the restrictions placed on certain accommodation centres where an outbreak may have ben identified by the public health authorities.

My officials in IPAS will continue to work closely with the HSE and public health authorities to ensure that guidance and measures in place at all centres are sufficient in light of changing conditions.

Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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184. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the psychosocial supports available to the LGBTQI+ community who are living in direct provision settings. [30186/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The potential vulnerability of LGBTI+ persons in the International Protection process is recognised by my Department.  Where a protection applicant discloses information in relation to their gender identity or sexual orientation, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department makes every effort to ensure that appropriate accommodation is provided. The newly established resident welfare team in IPAS will also work to assess any additional needs the person may have in the context of their accommodation.

As the Deputy may be aware a new Vulnerability Assessment process is currently being piloted by IPAS. The pilot commenced in December 2020 and was extended to all new applicants for international protection from the beginning of February. This assessment provides an opportunity for members of the LGBTI+ community to disclose information at an early stage, helping to ensure appropriate accommodation and support is provided without delay.

As vulnerabilities can manifest themselves at any stage of the protection process, applicants will also be able to undergo a Vulnerability Assessment at a later stage if this is desired by the applicant and deemed necessary by IPAS or other reception service providers. This is to help to ensure that any vulnerabilities that may subsequently arise are identified in a timely manner.

IPAS also 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+.

Since 2018, LGBT Ireland has facilitated a peer support group for LGBTI+ people in the International Protection process. Currently 'Is Rainbow Muid' meet online twice a month and continues to provide vital supports to members of the LGBTI+ community living in our accommodation centres at this time.

In addition, a confidential Freephone telephone support service, funded by, but independent of, my Department, was established in May 2020 to provide further support to residents who are being accommodated by my Department. This Freephone confidential support helpline is operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS).

IPAS has commenced a review of a number of its operational policies currently in place for the IPAS accommodation network. As part of this review, a specific policy with regard to the provision of accommodation services for LGBTI+ protection applicants will be prepared in consultation with the Department's Equality Unit and relevant LGBTI+ support groups.