I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 198 together.
The contracted accommodation provider at an IPAS centre is obliged to ensure provision of staffing and services at the centre.
Security and supervision arrangements are provided for under the contract and include the need to comply with the licensing requirements of the Private Security Authority (PSA).
Accommodation is currently provided in over 300 locations all over the country, in every county. 1 in 4 of our residents is a child with their family. Many people seeking international protection are working in the local community, participating in training and attending school within the local community.
Regardless of their regular accommodation setting, if a person experiences a medical emergency within a community setting, the appropriate action is to contact the emergency services who are equipped to respond appropriately.
The provision of supports and services to people seeking international protection is a whole of Government response. IPAS works closely with the HSE. People applying for international protection access health services through mainstream services: primary care, GP and emergency services. IPAS will advise their HSE liaison in advance of residents being accommodated.
While accommodated at the Citywest Reception and Accommodation centre, residents will receive the same supports as at other IPAS locations. This includes access to medical care via the HSE social inclusion outreach teams and medical card provision; IPAS customer services team clinics; onsite support from the provider’s staff; and psycho-social and integration support from NGO partners.
IPAS has a dedicated Resident Welfare Team comprising subject matter experts seconded to the team on a full-time basis, as well as a number of support officers, who direct applicants with special reception needs within our accommodation, to relevant services or provide other appropriate information, as required. These include Social Workers and personnel from the National Social Inclusion Office at the HSE, Educational Welfare Officers (EWOs) from the Tusla Education Support Services (TESS).
Where appropriate, the Resident Welfare Team engages with the centre managers and NGOs on-site to ensure that an applicant’s reception needs can be addressed within their current accommodation centre, providing information and support and signposting persons to relevant services. IPAS Social Workers seconded to the Resident Welfare Team are available to help applicants with high levels of vulnerability, and can make onward referrals to services and advocate for vulnerable persons as appropriate.
If a medical emergency arises within an IPAS accommodation centre, centre managers are required to contact National Emergency Services. IPAS has protocols and procedures in place for centre managers to submit incident reports and to report emergencies that occur within the accommodation setting to IPAS.
