I propose to take Questions Nos. 603 and 624 together.
My Department has no plans to open an International Protection Accommodation Centre at Riverdale Hotel Ballybay, or to utilise any other property not already in use in County Monaghan at this time.
Premises are sourced either through a full tender process which is administered through the Government’s Procurement Portal www.etenders.gov.ie or through responses to calls for expressions of interest, which are advertised in the national media. My Department is assisted with these tender projects by the Office of Government Procurement.
The tender process which commenced in late 2018, saw regional tender competitions being advertised, assessed and awarded. The competitions were held for the South East, Midlands, Mid-West, South-West, Mid-East, West, Dublin and the Border Regions.