Ipas centres 'should have independent inspection system'

Doras CEO John Lannon: 'Conditions in many Ipas centres are negatively impacting parenting, child development, education, nutrition, and mental health.' File picture

Conditions in many asylum accommodation centres are “negatively” impacting parenting, child development, education, and mental health, a migrant support organisation has said.

Limerick-based Doras was responding to the publication of internal International Protection Accommodation Services (Ipas) inspection reports of 86 centres, as detailed last Saturday in the 'Irish Examiner'.

Those reports found a wide range in the standard of accommodation on offer, from very poor to very good, and in relationships between management and residents.

“In our experience, the quality of service delivered rests with the owners and management of the centre,” Doras CEO John Lannon said. 

There are some excellent providers, as shown by the Ipas inspection reports. 

"But standards vary, and conditions in many Ipas centres are negatively impacting parenting, child development, education, nutrition, and mental health.”

He said poor standards demonstrated the need for a single mandatory inspection and enforcement regime that is independent and covers all Ipas accommodation.

Mr Lannon said: “To address this, the role of Hiqa [Health Information and Quality Authority] should be extended to cover all 250 emergency centres currently in operation, with additional dedicated funding provided for their extended remit.”

He said there should be effective complaints and remedial mechanisms to address fears residents have about reporting issues.

He said a report Doras published in March, called The Reception Gap, recommended that emergency accommodation should “only be used strictly as a last resort” — where an unforeseeable surge in demand temporarily exceeded supply — and never used as a routine part of the reception system.

Mr Lannon said: “It is also important that all Ipas accommodation, irrespective of ownership, duration, or operation model, is delivered within a social care framework and supported by a suitably qualified and professionally regulated workforce.

“Residents should not be subjected to aggressive staff behaviour or have to cope with living conditions that are detrimental to their health.”

• Cormac O’Keeffe, Security Correspondent