Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

359. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding a HSE inspection (details supplied) carried out in September 2024; the actions he will take to ensure that any recommendations are implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37404/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

An inspection from the HSE Environmental Health team took place at River Lodge on 11 September 2024. A report has since been received which has made a number of recommendations regarding food safety compliance. The Department will cooperate fully with the HSE to implement these recommendations.

Tented accommodation at River Lodge was established under emergency circumstances, and temporary provisions were made to best accommodate incoming residents. The Department is committed to ensuring sustainable solutions are implemented for the safety, and wellbeing of residents and staff, and to uphold IPAS standards and statutory obligations.

Currently, there are over 32,000 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS). In response, the Department has increased IPAS capacity by more than 400% since 2020, from just under 7,000 people on 31 December 2020.

In the first 37 weeks of 2024, over 13,800 people have arrived in Ireland seeking accommodation from the State, averaging 373 people per week.

The shortage of suitable accommodation to offer to people who are seeking international protection is a huge challenge for the Department, and it has been forced to avail of all offers of accommodation made, including the use of office buildings and tented accommodation, to address the shortfall. While the Department is aware that these types of accommodation are less than ideal it is working hard to find solutions, using facilities management companies in some cases, to offer emergency food, shelter, and sanitation provision to both cohorts. Emergency centres have been opened in all parts of the country.

On 27 March 2024, I announced a new Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for people seeking international protection in Ireland. Accommodation in the new strategy will be delivered through the use of State land for prefabricated and modular units, conversion of commercial buildings, and targeted purchasing of turnkey properties. It will also involve design and build of new Reception and Integration Centres and upgrading of IPAS Centres. This will be supplemented, as required, by high standard commercial providers.