The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has found that an International Protection accommodation provider in Dublin failed to recognise residents’ sleeping arrangements as a welfare concern, reports RTE.
In one of six reports published today, inspectors noted that the sleeping conditions affected residents’ privacy and dignity and did not meet the standards outlined in the Housing Act.
During the inspection of a centre housing 231 individuals, inspectors discovered 11 families where children aged ten and older were sharing rooms with either parents or siblings of a different gender, reports RTE.
HIQA said this situation had the potential to result in “accumulative harm” to the children involved.
The report notes that while the provider had plans to move some families to more suitable housing within the facility and had “engaged with the relevant Government department” on the matter, it had not officially classified the situation as a welfare risk, meaning it was left off the centre’s risk register, reports RTE.
Despite this issue, the report highlights that the service did actively promote children’s educational and recreational development, which was reflected in the centre’s policies.
At the time of the visit, all children of school age were enrolled in school, and child-friendly areas such as an after-school club, a teen room, and a play space for younger children had been established, reports RTE.
In comparison, a different centre in Kerry, which accommodated 69 people, offered fewer resources for children.
While some toys and books were available in shared spaces, HIQA determined that the specific area designated for children’s play and homework was neither appropriate nor safe, reports RTE.
Although residents at the Kerry facility reported being treated with respect, HIQA said management there lacked awareness of their obligation to report safeguarding incidents.
Inspectors found one “serious safeguarding incident” had been documented but was never reported to HIQA, despite regulations requiring it to be, reports RTE.
Although a system was technically in place for reporting adverse events, it was not used in this instance.
Operators of both centres were directed to submit compliance plans outlining how they would address the issues and meet national standards.
The remaining four facilities assessed—located in Galway, Waterford, and Cork—were found to be fully compliant with all applicable standards, reports RTE.
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