Written answers

Wednesday, 19 February 2025

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Direct Provision System

Photo of Paul MurphyPaul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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185. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of the subpar conditions experienced by people in direct provision (details supplied); the measures his Department intends to take to address their concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6639/25]

Photo of Norma FoleyNorma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I would like to thank the Deputy for their question. The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is committed to providing the best possible service to those seeking International Protection.

I am informed that the IPAS Customer Service team held a clinic onsite at the location provided by the Deputy recently, and I am informed that the issues noted in the detail provided by the Deputy have been shared with the team for their awareness and follow up under IPAS's complaints procedure as appropriate.

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. The IPAS Complaints Procedure is in place to allow residents to make complaints about issues encountered in the Accommodation Centre in which they live.

Complaints must first be made verbally to Centre Management, except in circumstances where the complaint concerns the manager. Following this, a resident can submit a written complaint to Centre Management, which should be responded to within 14 days. If a resident is not satisfied with how their complaint has been dealt with by Centre Management, they may then complain directly to IPAS. Additionally, 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.

The IPAS helpdesk can be contacted by email at .

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 Freephone helpline 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.

IPAS will continue to follow up on the needs of residents and work with Centre Management to ensure oversight of services provided at this site.

I trust the above is helpful.

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