Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 September 2025
705. Deputy Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of times his Department has awarded contracts to persons who did not have ownership of the properties they offered to house IPAS applicants, by county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51754/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is currently accommodating nearly 33,000 residents in over 320 international protection accommodation centres around the country.
The Department receives offers of international protection accommodation on an ongoing basis from external commercial providers. All offers are reviewed by the Department under a standardised appraisal procedure.
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.
Part of the appraisal process is to confirm whether an offer has come from someone with the appropriate authority. Offers of accommodation can be made by a property owner, or another person who has authority do so, such as a leaseholder. The Department does not collate data in the detail and manner requested by the Deputy.
Contracts detail the industry standards required, providers are made aware of their obligations and must agree to the extensive requirements set out in agreements.
At the end of a contract period, part of the review and potential renewal process involves a detailed and updated review of all documentation associated with the contract, including authority to offer the property as owner or leaseholder.
With respect to potential for contract renewals, the provision of accommodation for international protection applicants is demand-led, and each premises is considered on a case-by-case basis to decide if the contract will be renewed as it approaches its end date.
At potential renewal stage, consideration will be given to the current and projected demand for accommodation, the provider's performance under contract, and compliance with standards and legal obligations.
