Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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281. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if it was known at the time of entering a contract with an accommodation provider (details supplied) that there was and still is no fire certificate for this building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51708/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) is responding to an offer of accommodation made in respect of this property. Following the clarification of planning and certification matters, it is intended that the property will now come into use.

A Community Engagement Team (CET) has been established to engage directly with elected representatives, relevant Local Authorities, Local Development Companies, and other entities and individuals. The purpose of the team is to improve the flow of information regarding arrivals into areas and to help equip local communities with the accurate information required to help them understand the current situation and to assist with the welcome and integration process for new arrivals.

A briefing note which included detailed information in relation to this accommodation issued from the CET to local public representatives on 1 November 2023. This briefing note also issued to the Local Authority and the Local Development Company. The CET also attended a meeting hosted by Minister O’Gorman and Minister Foley.

The CET remains available for further engagement if required.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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282. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there is a maximum number of single IPAS applicants permitted per hotel room; if three to four men per room is considered acceptable by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51709/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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As at 19th November, there are over 25,742 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole, compared with over 17,000 people at this time last year. The Department continues to explore all offers of accommodation for international protection applicants (IPAs) in as far as it can.

In the context of this crisis, the State is availing of all offers of accommodation made in order to address the urgent accommodation need. This includes the use of office buildings, sports facilities and tented structures.?These options are necessary in order to provide shelter to international protection arrivals and to prevent homelessness.

The Department is conscious of the need to ensure quality in all accommodation contracted, while also providing shelter and safety urgently to those who need it. In considering offers, the Department takes into account a range of factors such as accommodation suitability, rates, capacity and amenities. Every effort is being made to activate suitable accommodation offers.

IPAS works at all times to ensure accommodation capacity is utilised in the most effective manner possible. There are a variety of reasons why capacity and the actual occupancy may not be equal, including:

Where a person cannot share with another person for medical or other reasons, and there is no single occupancy room;

Where a family configuration does not match exactly the available family accommodation, and this can result in vacancies “on paper” in a particular room or apartment type accommodation; and

Where rooms are being refurbished/not available for maintenance.

Previously, there was a policy of no more than 3 people per room – no matter what the listed capacity was. This policy is no longer possible, given the acute emergency in relation to availability of accommodation.

The current requirements for properties procured under emergency legislation is: a minimum space of 4.65m² as per the Housing Act of 1966 for each Resident.

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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As at 19th November 2023, there are currently 28 residents accommodated in Magowna House. The contracted capacity of this centre is 62.

With regards to the matters raised, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is in close contact with the centre’s management.

In terms of transportation, there is an assigned car at Magowna House, that facilitates transportation for the residents. There are three drivers providing a transportation service and these drivers work on rotation, which allows access to transportation throughout the day. The schedule provides transport every hour from 10:00 to 18:30, picking residents up at Magowna House, and dropping them to Ennis. Additionally, between the hours of 21:00 and 9:00, there is transportation available by appointment.

Regarding security, there are four on-site security guards who are licensed to provide security services. These security personnel work on a rotational schedule to ensure continuous coverage, both day and night. Additionally, there are two night porters who contribute to the overall security measures in place.

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.

If they wish to raise a complaint, they may contact the IPAS helpdesk to seek advice. The IPAS helpdesk can be contacted by email ipasinbox@equality.gov.ie.

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.