Lack of Garda vetting of staff main issue at asylum seeker centres, health watchdog finds

The Glenvera Hotel in Cork: Inspectors found 'residents said that managers were approachable, kind and supportive'. Picture: Richard Mills

Inspection reports on eight centres for asylum seekers found a lack of Garda vetting for staff and volunteers in some locations.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) has responsibility for monitoring the permanent International Protection Accommodation Services centres since January 2024.

These centres, formerly known as direct provision centres, provide accommodation for people seeking international protection in Ireland.

The eight centres inspected were Glenvera Hotel, Co Cork; Millstreet Accommodation Centre, Co Cork; Johnston Marina, Co Kerry; Atlantic House, Waterford; Emmet Lodge, Dublin; Globe House, Sligo; Hibernian Hotel, Laois; and Slaney Court, Wicklow.

While the inspectors found examples of good practice, they raised concerns about common issues including governance and management, risk management and safeguarding in particular.

At the Glenvera Hotel, inspectors found “staff recruitment practices in place were not safe or effective and required improvement in relation to the completion of Garda vetting and international police checks.” 

In addition, the centre had not asked volunteers and support workers at the centre for Garda vetting or police check documents.

They also recommended the “development and implementation of effective management and oversight systems”, including changes to the on-call system to better support staff.

Inspectors also found at this centre that “residents said that managers were approachable, kind and supportive". 

"Residents explained that Glenvera was a good place to live where they felt respected by staff members who were helpful and provided assistance when needed.” 

At the Millstreet centre, inspectors found while the grounds were well-maintained, some of the buildings were in need of repairs.

“The windows in one building were dated, some didn’t close properly and some window stays were broken. This presented risks, particularly for young children,” the report says.

Overall, residents felt safe in the centre and noted they had cooking facilities to allow them to prepare their preferred food.

However, despite these positives, the inspectors also found the centre had gaps in Garda vetting and checks for staff.

“Twenty-six staff members who had periods of residence of six months or more outside Ireland did not have international police checks carried out,” they said.

“In addition, three staff members did not have up-to-date Garda vetting completed in line with the requirement of national policy.” 

Staff files showed no written references for any staff members.

At Johnston House, residents also said they felt “safe and protected”, with a good relationship between them and the staff.

However, inspectors identified gaps in reporting and management, noting “all possible risks and hazards in the centre” had not been identified, with no system in place to monitor quality or establish contingency plans in case of emergency.

The lack of Garda vetting was again identified at this centre.