Ombudsman for Children can now investigate complaints from those in Direct Provision

Joint Media Release: Office of the Ombudsman & Ombudsman for Children’s Office

From Monday 3 April the Ombudsman’s Office will be accepting complaints from people living in Direct Provision, while complaints from children or on behalf of children, can be made to the Ombudsman for Children’s Office. This is a change that has been long called for by both Offices, and which will provide equal access to complaints procedures for people in Direct Provision.

Until now residents in direct provision centres could complain to the Reception and Integration Agency, a body of the Department of Justice and Equality. Now residents who have raised an issue with the manager of the accommodation centre, and the Reception and Integration Agency, and who are not satisfied with the outcome, will be able to make a complaint to the Ombudsman or the Ombudsman for Children.

Ombudsman Peter Tyndall said:

“The direct provision system has rightly been criticised both nationally and internationally.  While the government will shortly implement a more streamlined system for asylum applications those still living in direct provision accommodation should receive all the services to which they are entitled.  Introducing an independent complaints process will help to ensure that those services are delivered to the highest standard possible.  My staff have already met with residents across the country and they very much welcome this development”

Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, who will be able to investigate complaints about children and young people under 18, said:

“Children in Direct Provision will now have equal access to the Ombudsman for Children’s Office. This will enable my Office to make a constructive contribution to the overall welfare of children living in Direct Provision accommodation. Young people in Direct Provision can now be assured that there is a safe, secure and independent place they can come to make a complaint.”

Both Ombudsmen acknowledged the co-operation of Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, and her officials, in bringing about the extension of jurisdiction.

The Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children have a Memorandum of Understanding in place to ensure an effective service for those making complaints.  Complaints can be made about services provided by direct provision centres such as:

• standards of accommodation
• meals
• cleaning
• facilities

Residents in direct provision, like everyone else in Ireland, can also now raise issues relating to the actions of public bodies including schools, health services, social work services, local authorities, government departments and agencies.

Neither Ombudsman will be able to examine decisions about:

• asylum
• citizenship
• residency
• visas

The Office of the Ombudsman has produced a ‘Factsheet’ for residents explaining how to complain.  During March 2017 staff from the Office of the Ombudsman met with residents from a number of centres across the country and other stakeholders to explain the Ombudsman’s role.  The Ombudsman has also published resource materials for direct provision centre managers including advice on setting up a Model Complaints Procedure.    Joint briefing sessions by both Ombudsman Offices were held for all 33 accommodation centre managers, and RIA and Department of Justice staff.  All the information is available on the Ombudsmans’s website www.ombudsman.ie and www.oco.ie.

END

• 3 April 2017
• Type: Press Release