Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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288. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the specific health measures in place for international protection applicants residing in emergency accommodation (details supplied) where a co-resident has tested positive for Covid-19; if there are protocols to ensure isolation and medical care for those sharing rooms and communal spaces with infected individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36890/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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While the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) does not comment on individual cases, www.assets.gov.ie/static/documents/ipas-infectious-disease-protocol-february-2024.pdf sets out how IPAS, centre management, HSE Departments of Public Health, and the HSE's National Social Inclusion Office (NSIO), interact in the event of a case or outbreak of specified infectious diseases in IPAS centres.

When isolation of a person is necessary at an IPAS Centre, due to a suspected or confirmed infectious disease, centre management will endeavour to provide a space for isolation within the accommodation.

Should isolation not be possible on site or in another accommodation centre, the Medical Officer will identify cases or contacts who require referral to the HSE National Infectious Diseases Isolation Facility (NIF) at St. Ita’s, Portrane, Co. Dublin, or another local isolation facility if available, and advise regarding the expected length of stay.

HSE Public Health facilitates a risk assessment and provides direction on the “steps necessary and desirable... for preventing the spread of such infection and for removing conditions favourable to such infection” (Article 11, Infectious Disease Regulations 1981).

HSE Public Health also informs centre management and IPAS when investigation and control of an infectious disease requires transfers to and from the accommodation centre (or part of a centre) to be suspended.

The protocol sets out all responsibilities of IPAS, its centre managers, and Public Health. Each stakeholder engages closely where an infectious disease is suspected or confirmed, to ensure residents' health and safety is prioritised.