Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 June 2023
138. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline the process by which properties are inspected regarding their suitability to accommodate people before they are used to house refugees. [28802/23]
View answerThe International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) is responsible for the procurement of accommodation for use by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).
Initial offers of accommodation are received by IPPS primarily through its email portal.
Once an offer is received, IPPS sends a proposal template to the prospective provider that they are required to complete and return. The proposal template seeks to gather as much information as is reasonably practicable to facilitate an objective assessment of the suitability of the premises to accommodate international protection applicants (IPAs). This includes information on the building's safety and fitness for occupancy, its catering provision and room sizes, its recreational and lounge facilities and various other criteria such as wi-fi, security provision and staffing.
When returned, IPPS reviews the proposal and any supporting documentation to assess the suitability of the premises. IPPS will often carry out an inspection of the property also. Properties must provide adequate space and must have a valid fire certificate. They must demonstrate that they can either provide catered options or facilities for international protection applicants to cook for themselves.
