Majority of Mosney residents have refugee status but don't have alternative accommodation

Eighty per cent of residents in the Mosney direct-provision centre have been granted refugee status, but are unable to move out due to lack of alternative accommodation, according to a HIQA report

The Mosney Accommodation Centre received a glowing report from inspectors following a recent inspection of the facility which is used to accommodate International Protection applicants.

HIQA inspectors found the centre to be fully compliant in 28 out of 30 categories and substantially complaint in the other two.

The report noted that 702 of the 875 (80 per cent ) had received refugee or subsidiary protection status, and 250 residents had received notice to leave by July 2024 to seek private accommodation outside the centre. Due to the lack of alternative accommodation options, some residents told inspectors they could not avail of more appropriate alternative accommodation and were anxious as a result.

During the inspection, which took place on 11th and 12th June last, the inspectors found that residents were well-supported and satisfied with the service and support provided.

"The centre offered safe and comfortable accommodation that allowed residents to live independently, enjoy a good quality of life and engage in community life. There was evidence of an ongoing investment in staff development and in the improvement of facilities and amenities within the centre.

"Staff members supported residents to connect with the local community and develop life skills, preparing them for independent living beyond the centre."

This inspection took place over two days and during this time, the inspectors met or spoke with 15 adults and six children who were living in the centre. In addition, 21 resident questionnaires were completed and returned to the inspectors.

The inspectors said the grounds maintenance was exceptional for such a large campus, with no litter and well-kept grass, shrubs and trees. Roads and pathways were also exceptionally well maintained with accessibility for all residents, including those with mobility challenges.

Each family or resident had private homes with keys, thus promoting independent living in a secure environment. The units observed featured fully fitted kitchens, dining areas, and private shower and bathroom facilities furnished with couches, dining tables, fitted wardrobes, and television sets. One of the houses which was ready for occupation had a folder on the dining table containing residents’ welcome pack, the residents’ charter and pamphlets with additional information about the centre.

The medical service provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) for residents had a dedicated general practitioner and medical receptionist available Monday to Friday. Services included medical check-ups, health screenings, enquiries, vaccinations, and specialist referrals. There were also consultation rooms available in the medical centre for public health nurses, community mental health nurses and an advanced nurse practitioner for displaced populations who were based in the centre on a part-time basis.

A large food hall was in the centre of the campus, with shops fully stocked with a wide variety of food and non-food items essential for daily household use.

Laundry facilities for residents were provided in a bright and spacious open-plan room with 80 washing machines and 80 tumble dryers available. The laundry facility was fully staffed to assist residents where necessary. The inspectors saw notices posted all around the laundry room in multiple languages outlining how to use the machines provided. In addition to tumble dryers, residents had access to washing lines outside their living quarters.

The report noted that while all staff members were Garda vetted as required, there were a small number of staff members who did not have international police checks available on file despite previously living overseas. The provider had commenced the process of obtaining these international police checks and there were references on file for the sample of staff members reviewed by the inspectors.

A risk register was in place which was comprehensive in nature and considered risks relating to residents. The inspectors found, however, that there was a need for the further development of the centre’s risk management framework to include a risk and incident management policy. There were detailed plans in place to ensure the continuity of service in the event of emergency or unseen incidents.