Vol. 517 No. 2
133 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Government has awarded a contract to a private limited company for the purchase of block booking accommodation for asylum seekers; if so, when the contract was awarded; the conditions attached; the name and details of the successful company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9461/00]
No contract has been awarded to a private limited company for the purchase of block booked accommodation for asylum seekers.
The Directorate for Refugee and Asylum Support Services, which was established in November 1999 under the aegis of my Department is responsible, inter alia, for meeting the accommodation needs of asylum seekrs. An approach was made to the directorate on 23 February 2000 by a company who indicated that it could supply block booked accommodation outside Dublin for asylum seekers.
To date, however, no firm proposal has been received by the Directorate.
