Dublin: An investigative report has uncovered concerning discrepancies in the operations of a refugee centre in Dublin’s west centre, revealing a stark misalignment between allocated resources and service delivery. Despite substantial annual expenditures on security amounting to millions of euros, the centre was found to be staffed by personnel lacking the necessary qualifications and licenses.
The Department of Integration, however, refutes the assertions made in the investigative report, maintaining that all requisite preparations have been made. The unveiling of the SABRE Risk Management (SABRE) report shed light on the inadequacies of the CityWest centre, which came under scrutiny following an incident in late March wherein two security personnel were assaulted and subsequently ceased employment.
A contract valued at €2.5 million per annum was awarded to the Monaghan-based Superior Group for security provision at CityWest. Despite the substantial remuneration, Superior Group subcontracted employees, with the report revealing that a significant portion of staff lacked licensing from the Private Security Authority (PSA), a mandatory requirement for security personnel in Ireland.
Moreover, the centre faced severe overcrowding issues, leading to a shortage of beds, with some refugees having to procure their own. Employment conditions for staff were also a matter of concern, with irregular shifts and a lack of oversight mechanisms such as clock-in systems or shift transfers.
Compensation for employees, contracted directly through Superior Group, was detailed in the report, with hourly rates ranging from €19.50 to €25.50. Despite these apparent agreements, the contractual framework between subcontractors and workers remained unclear, raising questions about compliance with safety standards during transfers to alternative accommodations.
In response to these revelations, the Integration Department asserted its lack of awareness regarding subcontracted security services at CityWest, relying on assurances from the contracting firm regarding compliance with licensing and vetting procedures. However, the investigation report paints a contrasting picture, highlighting ongoing challenges and systemic deficiencies within the centre’s operations.
Irish Samachar English News
{OR} Kindly click to follow the Irish Samachar News channel on WhatsApp