Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
576. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will reconsider the decision to award a company (details supplied) the contract to provide meals to Ukrainian refugees in direct provision centres; and if he will revoke the current contract for the company for direct provision centres given the reports of below standard food being provided by the company. [22803/22]
View answerMy Department is focused on providing immediate, short term accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Approximately 19,000 people have been placed in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation to date.
IPAS has contracted over 7500 rooms across hotels, hostels, student accommodation, B&Bs and more, with additional capacity being pursued through guest houses, accommodation pledged by the general public, state-owned or private properties which may be suitable for short-term accommodation, accommodation belonging to voluntary bodies, religious properties, Local Authority facilities and Airbnb. The Millstreet Green Glens Arena opened recently, and can take up to 320 people. IPAS is also investigating other options such as student accommodation for the summer period and holiday homes. Given the number of people arriving, sourcing suitable accommodation continues to be a challenge.
The Department continues to cooperate with colleagues across Government on an all of Government response to this challenge.
The Department is not in a position to comment on individual contractors or contractual matters due to the commercially sensitive nature of this information.
Due to the urgent need to provide immediate temporary accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, my Department is not always in a position to procure necessary contract(s) by advertising using the procedures set out in the Procurement Regulations. The Department intends to conduct a formal procurement competition for any services which may be required following the expiry of any agreement and once initial short term arrangements (using Article 32 of the Procurement Regulations) are put in place.
