Eva Osborne
Five out of the eight refugee accommodation centres inspected by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) were found to be non-compliant with standards.
Non-compliance was identified in areas including identification, assessment and response to special needs; accommodation; person-centred care and support; safeguarding and protection; governance, accountability and leadership; and safe and effective recruitment practices.
For example, not all centres had attained the appropriate An Garda Síochána vetting.
International Protection Accommodation Service centres, formerly known as direct provision centres, provide accommodation for people seeking international protection in Ireland.
The HIQA inspects the quality and safety of these services against the National Standards for accommodation offered to people in the protection process.
Reports have been published on:
- Atlas Killarney, Co Kerry;
- Emmet Lodge, Co Dublin;
- Dídean Carlow, Co Carlow;
- Glenvera Hotel, Co Cork;
- Milligan Court, Co Sligo;
- Viking House, Co Waterford;
- Benbulben Court, Co Sligo;
- Borrisokane Accommodation Centre, Co Tipperary.
Three centres, Benbulben Court, Borrisokane Accommodation Centre, and Dídean Carlow, were found to have no non-compliance against the standards. The remaining inspections found varying levels of compliance.
Across the inspections conducted, inspectors found examples of good practice, such as supporting people to integrate into local communities, access to educational, health and social supports, and providing well-equipped facilities for cooking and preparing meals. Staff members supported residents to access relevant community-based services and activities.
Where non-compliance with the national standards was identified, providers were required to submit compliance plans to demonstrate how they will make improvements and come into compliance with the national standards.
