Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 October 2022
488. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the works that have been carried out in the direct provision centre (details supplied) in Wicklow town to increase the accommodation capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48516/22]
View answerThe International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) procures accommodation for IP applicants. From 24 February until September of this year, IPPS worked to facilitate the accommodation solutions for both IP applicants and circa 40,000 Ukrainian beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs), an unprecedented volume of persons seeking refuge in Ireland. The pressure to accommodate circa 53,000 people since the start of 2022 has led to significant shortages particularly for the international protection cohort. Due to the unprecedented demand, and in order to meet the immediate and short term accommodation needs of this large increase in arrivals, varied accommodation options have been utilised throughout the country to help to house applicants on an emergency basis and to prevent homelessness. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth published a Request for Tender in January 2022 for the provision of accommodation services and related services for international protection applicants to increase the Department’s capacity. The tender has an inbuilt flexibility to allow for re-advertisement to help address increased demand. Accommodation contracted under the Request for Tender process will provide independent living options in line with the National Standards.Vesta Hotels Ltd entered the Grand Hotel in Co. Wicklow to this competition and were successful. After the awarding of a contract to a Tenderer, the Tenderer has up to 16 weeks to complete any mobilisation works identified in its tender.
