Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1142. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the person or body that assumes liability for damages to property with regard to International Protection Accommodation Services contracted properties and an organisation’s (details supplied) pledged own-door properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20385/22]
View answerDeputy, in regard to International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) contracted properties, it is accepted that residents will treat the accommodation and its contents respectfully and no damage above what is considered to be normal use wear and tear by guests is expected. However, in the event of such damage is attributable to residents and on the back of photographic evidence of same, costs associated with repairs will be borne by the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS).
In the matter of the referred to organisation, it is my Department’s view that those who pledged properties, either shared or vacant, did so to that organisation. My officials work with implementing parties, including Local Authorities, to put beneficiaries in contact with those pledging properties /rooms.
My Department recommends that a licence agreement is signed between the pledger and beneficiary. A suite of documents to support pledgers and beneficiaries with processes will be made available. However, my Department is not itself a party to this agreement and any matter of liability for damages is a matter between the beneficiary and the pledger.
