Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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498. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his knowledge of the concerns surrounding health and safety of a direct provision centre (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to complaints regarding the standards of care shown in the centre including from residents and advocacy groups such as an organisation (details supplied); and his views on recent internet footage that show residents having to use plastic bags if they did not wish to eat the food in the canteen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54773/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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First of all, I can assure the Deputy that the health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by my Department is of the highest priority to both myself and my officials.

The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS), which is responsible for the provision of accommodation and related services to people in the International Protection process, became aware of the video that is circulating on social media in regard to the centre mentioned on Tuesday 2 November.

In response to this, staff of the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS), which manages the contract with the Direct Provision accommodation centre mentioned, immediately arranged to visit the centre on 3 November to investigate the matter, including a review of CCTV in the area. Staff did not find evidence that food is being served in plastic bags in the manner shown in the video.

QTS, an independent inspectorate company that undertakes inspections on behalf of IPPS, also visited the centre on 3 November, to ensure that it is complying with the terms of its contract with regard to food provision to residents.

To ensure residents could voice any concerns they have directly with IPAS officials, IPAS also conducted a residents' clinic on site at the centre on Friday last, 5 November.

Accommodation centres are currently subject to regular unannounced inspections by both Department officials in IPAS and QTS Limited. It is expected that each accommodation centre will be inspected three times in 2021, twice by QTS and once by IPAS officials.

In addition, accommodation centres are contractually bound to provide menus that reasonably meet the dietary needs of the different ethnic groups accommodated at the centre and the reasonable prescribed dietary needs of any person accommodated at the centre. Menus must include a vegetarian option and all food products provided must have a traceability system that complies with food safety requirements. All accommodation centres that offer catered options must provide three meals per day and must have a range of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages readily available.

IPAS is always available to deal with any complaints from residents and residents are encouraged to engage with IPAS if they are unhappy with any aspect of their accommodation. Where a complaint is significant in nature or a resident is not comfortable raising a complaint with a centre manager, they may make the complaint directly, or through a representative authorised to act on their behalf, to the IPAS Customer Service Team.

All residents have access to an independent support helpline operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service and funded by the Department. IPAS is working to facilitate clinics at centres, in line with public health restrictions. IPAS has no role in determining a resident’s claim for international protection. Decisions on claims for international protection are matters for the Department of Justice. Residents can freely make complaints without any implications for their claims for international protection.

As I mentioned above, accommodation centres are subject to regular unannounced inspections by IPAS/IPPS and by an independent inspections company. Inspection reports are published on: www.gov.ie/en/publication/534c2-ipas-inspection-reports/.

I trust that this information can provide the necessary reassurance to you that the Government is committed to the welfare of all residents of our accommodation centres.