Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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484. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of the living conditions for residents of the Richmond Street emergency accommodation centre (details supplied); and if he plans to remedy these issues on an urgent basis. [11621/23]

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.

All International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres conduct resident welfare/consultative clinics and there was one such clinic scheduled at the Croke Park (Richmond St) IPAS emergency accommodation centre on 28 February 2023.

The IPAS Customer Service Team conducted the clinic and the aim of the clinic was make IPAS staff available to residents to discuss any issues they may have on a one-to-one basis. Residents attending the clinic were able to raise their concerns. The clinic also allowed IPAS staff to examine the centre’s general operation and address residents’ issues with centre management.

The main issues raised were in relation to WIFI availability, poor lighting, laundry of bed clothes and availability of toiletries.

All resident concerns were flagged with the centre management who confirmed the following:

Centre management is currently in negotiations with providers. Broadband/Wi-Fi access will be available as soon as a contract is finalised.

Centre management committed to ensuring that all bed clothes are washed weekly and a replacement set is given to applicants.

Cleaning services on site currently consists of two cleaning staff from 7am-11am and 11am-3pm. Cleaning supplies will also be available to residents.

In relation to heating, centre management confirmed that there is a new heating tank arriving this week and should resolve the issues raised.

Centre management will address the lighting issue. However, individual lamps cannot be provided so as to ensure adherence with fire regulations.

In regards to the issue with running water, no resident who presented themselves to IPAS raised this as a complaint and the centre management confirmed that there is no issue with running water.

In the first three days of the centre opening in November 2022, there was an issue which has since been addressed.

IPAS have followed up with the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) to ensure that regular visits to the centre are maintained to provide administrative support to residents in relation to access to GPs and PPSNs. Please note that complaints relating to a lack of GP services should be directed to the local Community Health Organisation in the HSE.

In regards to cooking facilities, IPAS requested that the facilities be open longer so that the residents have more access to tea/coffee/snacks, microwaves, etc.. Centre management have agreed to this.

IPAS made centre management aware of the concerns of residents surrounding Ramadan. Centre management have confirmed that they met with residents and requested their traditional Ramadan food supplies and will ensure their availability.

In relation to availability of toiletries, centre management have confirmed that there are sufficient toiletries provided per person and that they will ensure regular re-stocking of toiletries.

The IPAS Customer Service team will visit the centre for a follow up clinic in mid-March.