HIQA issues first inspection report on Westmeath accomodation centre

By Orlaith Delaney

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has published an inspection report on the Temple Accommodation Centre, in Horseleap, which houses 88 international protection applicants.

This is HIQA's first inspection of the Temple Centre since it assumed responsibility in January for monitoring the quality of permanent International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres provided by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

The report found that the Temple Centre had almost no non-compliant areas, with the main issue being implementation of safe and effective recruitment practices.

However, there were other areas that were recommended for improvement.

The report outlined how residents of the centre had highlighted difficulties that arose for them due to the restricted hours of the main kitchen area.

While there was a snack area open 24 hours a day that had a microwave, fridge and boiling water, the kitchen was only open from 8am to 8pm, mainly due to staffing issues.

Outside those hours, residents could not access their food storage area or prepare wholesome meals. The report said this was particularly a problem for those who had to leave early for work or college, or returned late.

The centre provides accommodation in 37 ensuite rooms, with mothers and children assigned their own areas. To alleviate difficulties relating to kitchen access, the centre management had provided fridges in these rooms.

Many parents of babies and young children also complained about the lack of support or facilities available to them while they were preparing meals in the kitchen. Single parents in particular had to keep their children with them while cooking.

Another issue for many residents is the isolated location of the centre, which is approximately nine kilometres outside Moate.

The inspection report noted that while "residents enjoyed beautiful views and a peaceful countryside, they were reliant on transport to access community amenities, education and employment and shops".

Transport was provided to town twice a day, but the times of those buses were often not suitable for the needs of residents, such as attending appointments or work. Many highlighted that if they missed that transport, they were faced with long walks.

The HIQA report noted that a "local support group had provided bicycles for residents to use for their leisure and some of the residents used the bicycles to access public transport".

In conclusion, the report recommended the centre management find better ways to register complaints from residents, such as a suggestion box and regular meetings, and incorporate these into their operations.

The centre had committed to reviewing their staffing levels in order to provide more access to the kitchen area for residents. This would involve consultations with the centre's insurance company and local fire officer to assess the options available.

It also agreed to obtain adequate garda vetting and have at least one reference check on file for all staff.

The government previously committed to closing all such IPAS centres by 2024, but it has since revised this timetable due to a surge in the numbers seeking international protection in Ireland, along with the additional arrival of almost 70,000 people fleeing war in the Ukraine.