Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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186. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has read reports of refugees and asylum seekers experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea due to inadequate catering services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9032/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Deputy, I can assure you that the health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by this Department is of the highest priority to myself and my officials. My Department receives complaints relating to food upon occasion but there has been no recent notification received in relation to any outbreak of vomiting or diarrhoea related to catering services.

All of the Department’s international protection 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 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. Accommodation centres that offer catered options provide three meals per day, however they must also have a range of snacks available including fresh fruit and drinks.

In order to ensure compliance with these contractual obligations, accommodation centres are subject to regular unannounced inspections by both Department officials in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) and an independent inspectorate company (QTS Limited). These inspections are generally undertaken, twice yearly by officials in IPAS and once yearly by QTS Limited. Part of the inspection process deals directly with the provision of food services. Meals are assessed during inspection for quality, cultural appropriateness and variety of menu options. Any issues identified are notified to the contractor to be addressed immediately.

In IPAS accommodation centres that provide for self-catering, a food hall is available to provide food and other household and hygiene products free of charge through a points based system. The foods available to residents in such centres generally include a wide range of fresh meats, fruit, vegetables and ethnic goods. Residents can carry over points not used in any one week to the next week, subject to a maximum of four weeks. There is also a contractual obligation for the service provider in these centres to consult with residents on the foods and other items made 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.

In the event of a resident not feeling comfortable with contacting the Department directly or the centre management, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) operate a confidential support helpline for all residents being accommodated by IPAS. The Freephone helpline is operated by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS). If a resident wishes, a complaint made through this service may be passed, in confidence, to IPAS for investigation and resolution. All residents have access to this independent support helpline. IPAS is working to facilitate clinics at centres, in line with public health restrictions. The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) helpline contact number is 1800 929 00 or email: info@jrs.ie

All International Protection Applicants have access to the services of the Ombudsman and Office of the Ombudsman for Children, should they consider that their complaint has not been managed appropriately.