Ombudsman staff visit Ballyhaunis direct provision residents

FROM 3 April those living in the direct provision system will be able to complain to the Ombudsman about the services they receive in their accommodation centres.

Staff from the Ombudsman’s office recently visited the Old Convent accommodation centre, Ballyhaunis to explain how residents there can complain to Ombudsman Peter Tyndall if they are unhappy with issues such as standard of accommodation, meals, cleaning or other services they receive while waiting on their asylum application to be processed.

Ombudsman Peter Tyndall said: “As Ombudsman I independently investigate complaints from the public about public services such as those provided by government departments, local authorities or the HSE.

'Those living in direct provision centres are receiving a public service and for many years my office has called for confirmation that I can examine complaints from residents in such centres. I am grateful that the Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald has now clarified the situation.”

The Ombudsman will be able to investigate a complaint once the resident has raised the issue with the manager of the accommodation centre and the Reception and Integration Agency.

The Ombudsman will not be able to investigate complaints about asylum, citizenship or residency. Complaints from those under 18 years of age will be dealt with by the Ombudsman for Children.

Further information, including a ‘Factsheet’ for residents is available at the Ombudsman’s website www.ombudsman.ie