Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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333. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a kosher food option is available to residents in international protection. [22458/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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All International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres are contractually bound to provide menus that reasonably meet the dietary needs of the different religious and ethnic groups accommodated in its centres, and the prescribed dietary needs of any person accommodated at a centre. Menus must include a vegetarian option, and all food products provided must have a traceability system that complies with food safety requirements. IPAS 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. IPAS regularly engages with centres to ensure that the dietary needs of residents are being met.In order to ensure compliance with these contractual obligations, centres are subject to regular unannounced inspections by an independent inspectorate company. 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. The IPAS Centre Management and Compliance Team also conducts regular visits to centres during which, in catered centres, the quality and variety of food provided to residents are assessed.

In IPAS 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. In centres with no food hall onsite, residents are provided with a voucher to use in a local supermarket.