Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
612. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether the IPAS facility at a location (details provided) was procured under a formal tender process or as emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34784/23]
View answerIPAS is accommodating an unprecedented number of people - 21,870 persons as of 9 July. It continues to require additional accommodation to meet the needs of new arrivals. Where request for tender processes have not delivered the required reception capacity, the Department has engaged in emergency accommodation sourcing through networks with other State accommodation providers such as local authorities, through newspaper advertisements, through cold calling and through the use of online booking engines.
Initial offers of accommodation are received by the International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) primarily through its e-mail portal - ipps@equality.gov.ie.
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. This may include an inspection of the property also.
In relation to the property referred to, an offer of accommodation was submitted through the IPPS e-mail portal. A full assessment of the property is underway. Should a contract be agreed, it is hoped that the property in question can be brought into use.
