I propose to take Questions Nos. 378 to 385, inclusive, together.
Following a Request for Tender process undertaken in 2022, in October 2023, the Department entered into a contract for 98 beds for International Protection (IP) applicants at a property in Coole Court, Coole, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. A two-year contract was signed with the provider.
The Department has no contract in place for the provision of modular homes at this address. This has been subject to erroneous public commentary recently.
The Department did receive an offer for additional capacity at the site through the tender process in relation to accommodation for IP applicants. This offer has been rejected, as it did not comply with planning regulations.
The provider has already been advised that this offer was refused. Only the accommodation currently in use at this site is contracted to the Department and no additional capacity in modular homes is planned at this site.
The Department is clear that no contract for modular units will be entered into at this site.