The first ever inspection of the Knoacklisheen Direct Provision Centre by the Health Information and Quality Authority has found the human rights of residents were not consistently promoted, respected or upheld.
HIQA has ruled that the South-East Clare International Protection Accommodation Centre was not compliant in 20 areas of assessment.
The announced inspection took place across two days on January 31st and February 1st, when 278 residents were in attendance.
From speaking to residents and from what was observed at the facility, the inspection team noted significant deficits across all themes of the national standards.
The centre comprised of six accommodation blocks, two of which were specifically for women and families, and the remaining four blocks of accommodation housed single males.
The purpose built state facility underwent a significant expansion in 2022, with the addition of 104 beds through tented accommodation and on the day of inspection, 52 of these were occupied by single males.
HIQA stated the provision of tented accommodation over a sustained period had a significant and unacceptable impact on people’s basic human rights, including their right to privacy and dignity and their general wellbeing.
While the provider acknowledged the unsatisfactory nature of the expansion, the use of tents was not risk assessed.
The conditions of their living area were also found to pose potential health, safety and welfare risks as residents had no private space to change their clothing, no privacy screens between beds and no access to storage for personal belongings.
Although there was evidence the service provider was considering alternative and more suitable accommodation, there was no short or medium-term strategy in place.
The inspection team noted that many communal areas of the centre needed a deep clean and that maintenance issues such as uneven surfaces and open manhole covers had not been attended too, presenting trip hazards.
30 resident questionnaires were completed during the inspection, with half of respondents stating they felt unhappy and unsafe, due to incidents occurring in the centre or not wanting to leave their room after dark.
Many residents said they did not always feel listened to and that their complaints had not been addressed or resolved.
HIQA also found that in most cases, the service provider received limited information about residents before their arrival to the centre.
There was also no formal reporting process or system to hold staff for managers to account for their practice.
Ultimately the Knockalisheen Direct Provision Centre was found to be non-compliant in 20 areas of assessment , partially compliant in two areas , substantially compliant in three areas and fully compliant in just two.
Service Provider Aramark has submitted a compliance plan and intends to implement all necessary measures by the final quarter of the year.
