I propose to take Questions Nos. 795, 796, 797 and 798 together.
The Department has a contract in place to provide international protection accommodation at this location, which is due to expire in May 2026.
Centres are subject to oversight arrangements and validation of compliance with all requirements through the Department's compliance team, with additional independent inspection and quality control through either Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) or IPAS-commissioned inspections.
The contracts accommodation provider at a centre is obliged to ensure provision of staffing and services at the centre.
Security and supervision arrangements are provided for under the contract and include the need to comply with the licensing requirements of the Private Security Authority (PSA).
With respect to 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 renewal stage, consideration is given to value for money, the current and projected demand for accommodation, the provider's performance under contract, and compliance with standards and legal obligations.
Contracts are often of one or two-year duration, to afford flexibility to the State and work towards longer-term investment in State sites and reduced reliance on commercial accommodation.
The Department treats the individual details of contractual arrangements and processes as confidential and commercially sensitive while they are ongoing.
