Newly Released IPAS Inspection Reports identify critical non-compliance issues which must be addressed

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Recent HIQA inspection reports have revealed critical non-compliance issues within International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centres, particularly in areas of Governance and Management, Risk Management, Human Rights, and Safeguarding. These findings highlight urgent areas of concern requiring immediate attention.


Introduction

In January 2024, HIQA assumed the function of monitoring and inspecting International Protection Accommodation Service centres against the National Standards for accommodation offered to people in the protection process (2019). This month, HIQA published its first inspection reports on IPAS centres. These reports outline the levels of compliance with the national standards in four centres located around Ireland. Although examples of good practice where observed in some centres, major non-compliance issues were highlighted in relation to governance and management, risk management, safeguarding and promoting basic human rights. 

In order for your IPAS centre to improve the quality of care and safeguard residents, it is imperative that you review these findings, identify the learnings for your service and implement quality improvement plans to address the areas of concern. In this article, we provide a summary of the key findings under the related Theme of the National Standards for accommodation offered to people in the protection process (2019).


Summary of IPAS Inspection Report Findings

THEME 1: GOVERNANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY AND LEADERSHIP

THEME 2: RESPONSIVE WORKFORCE

THEME 3: CONTINGENCY PLANNING AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

THEME 4: ACCOMMODATION

THEME 5: FOOD, CATERING AND COOKING FACILITIES

THEME 6: PERSON CENTRED CARE AND SUPPORT

THEME 8: SAFEGUARDING AND PROTECTION

THEME 9: HEALTH, WELLBEING AND DEVELOPMENT

THEME 10: IDENTIFICATION, ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE TO SPECIAL NEEDS


Conclusion

The HIQA IPAS inspection reports have illuminated major concerns in IPAS centres, particularly around governance, risk management, garda vetting, safeguarding and basic human rights.

To move forward, it’s essential to establish more robust oversight mechanisms, clear risk management frameworks, transparent complaint handling processes, and a culture of continuous improvement. A commitment to take positive action will not only address the immediate deficiencies but also pave the way for sustainable, high-standard service provision that respects the dignity and rights of all residents under international protection.

HCI is at the forefront, providing essential support to IPAS centres striving to meet and exceed regulatory standards. Our expert services are specifically designed to address these critical deficiencies efficiently and effectively.

We can offer your IPAS centre comprehensive support through the:

For more information on how HCI can assist you in achieving regulatory compliance and safeguarding residents, please contact us at info@hci.care or call 01 629 2559.

Contact Us

For more information contact info@hci.care or Phone +353 (0)1 6292559.

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