HIQA finds ‘varying levels of compliance’ across IPAS centres

Five new HIQA reports has found “varying levels of compliance” to standards, across five international protection accommodation service (IPAS) centres.

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

In a statement, the Authority noted that its inspectors encountered “examples of good practice”, across the centres. Examples of this included access to health and social services; the provision of education supports and staff members supporting residents to access relevant community-based services and activities.

However, HIQA inspectors also identified areas for improvement. These included areas in the accommodation; governance and management; safeguarding and protection and the identification, assessment and response to special needs.

“For example, in two centres not all residents had a vulnerability assessment on file meaning service providers could not be assured that any such needs were being met,” according to HIQA.

The Authority said  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”.

Reports have been published on: Benbulben Court, Co. Sligo, Eglinton Centre, Co. Galway, Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre, Co. Cork, Park Lodge, Co. Kerry, Knockalisheen, Co. Clare.

HIQA inspects the quality and safety of permanent IPAS centres against the National Standards for accommodation offered to people in the protection process (2019).