Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 June 2025
119. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration for details of all IPAS accommodation centres located in properties currently owned by NAMA; the details of all IPAS accommodation centres located in property previously owned by NAMA, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33071/25]
View answerThe International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) provides accommodation in over 320 centres around the country.
These centres are a mix of State-owned sites, long-term centres, and emergency accommodation contracted commercially. While work is ongoing to develop more State-owned accommodation options in this sector, at the moment over 90% of IPAS accommodation is commercially provided.
I am advised that information is not routinely collated on ownership or former ownership of properties contracted so the specific information requested cannot be provided without disproportionate use of staff resources.
In sourcing and providing international protection accommodation, the Department regularly receives offers of accommodation from external providers and each property is subject to a consistent appraisal process.
The Department can consider offers of accommodation from a tax-compliant company, subject to compliance with statutory requirements and minimum standards.
The Department carries out due diligence on accommodation being contracted, including checks via the Companies Registration Office (CRO) to ensure compliance with CRO requirements and tax compliance checks by way of a valid Irish Tax Clearance Certificate.
The Department verifies that a provider, usually either the owner or a leaseholder, has the appropriate authority to offer the property for appraisal.
All offers of international protection accommodation are reviewed by the Department under a standardised appraisal procedure. Factors in the appraisal of international protection accommodation include the site and its potential, the value for money it offers, planning matters and any works required to meet the required standards.
Consideration is also given to the location and locality, access to services, resident welfare, health and wellbeing, and the current level of need in the sector.
