Residents At Westmeath IPAS Centre Raise Concerns With Transport And Kitchen

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HIQA's first report on the Temple facility has been published.

Residents at an International Protection Accommodation Service centre in Westmeath have raised concerns with transport options and the kitchen.

HIQA has published its first report on the Temple facility.

The majority of residents at the centre told inspectors they were dissatisfied with transport options, and the opening hours of the kitchen were restrictive and had a negative impact on them.

Some also claimed they didn't feel listened to, and their complaints weren't managed by the service.

However, inspectors noted overall, residents said they felt respected and listened to.

HIQA flagged one area of non-compliance at the facility at the time of inspection in May, and says international police checks were not on file for staff members who had lived or worked abroad for more than six months.

However, the Health Watchdog says the centre has since taken the appropriate steps to address this.

Inspectors noted the accommodation was clean and well-maintained, and the management was committed to providing a good quality service.

The report found the centre to be compliant in 11 of the 29 areas inspected, substantially compliant in nine, partially compliant in eight, and non-compliant in one.

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