Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
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1965. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he is aware of reports that new mothers recovering from C-section surgery, and those with serious illness in direct provision (details supplied), are being required to attend communal dining areas for meals, even when medically unfit to do so; if he will outline the measures in place to ensure that new mothers in recovery, and those unable to get to dining areas due to illness, will receive adequate care and dignity in accommodation centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41323/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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In relation to the details supplied by the Deputy, officials in my Department have noted the concern expressed and are giving this attention.

Concerns from particular individuals or those advocating on their behalf may be emailed to the IPAS Helpdesk [ipasinbox@justice.ie] at any time for the attention of the IPAS Resident Welfare Team.

In relation to this particular property, room service is offered to any residents that are diagnosed medically unfit to travel to the restaurant by a medical professional. The length of time that this is allowed is normally stated in supporting documentation from the medical professional.

All such cases are discussed with the local Public Service Nurse who visits and assesses all post care needs.

Services for all IP applicants, including healthcare and education are mainstreamed and accessed through the same referral pathways as Irish citizens. Residents in IPAS accommodation centres access GP services within the local community, and other health services are accessed through GP referral, primary care and emergency services. Transport to medical appointments/medical services is provided.

IPAS has a Pregnancy Protocol which ensures that new-borns and their families are suitably facilitated in their current location. Where a centre cannot facilitate the family (in terms of space required for a cot etc.), the centre manager must notify IPAS as soon as possible to arrange alternative accommodation.

Where there are medical complications in pregnancy or post birth, the pregnancy protocol does not replace the IPAS Protocol for Medical Transfer. Where a vulnerability, disability or serious illness emerges or is advised to IPAS after a person or family has been accommodated and they require accessible or more suitable accommodation in a particular location on medical grounds, they are asked to submit a referral form in accordance with the IPAS Protocol for Medical Transfer. The referral enables the person’s medical professionals to outline the accommodation requirements including mobility, proximity to hospital or other service which are then used by IPAS to identify the most suitable accommodation available within its portfolio.