Departmental Contracts

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 November 2023

Thursday, 9 November 2023

Questions (300)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

300. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to release the full record of communication between his Department and the owner of an accommodation provider (details supplied); to outline who made the initial contract; the value of the 12-month contract for this property; to release all communication between his Department and Tipperary County Council, particularly in terms of the current use of the building as an emergency accommodation facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49183/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The Department does not release material pertaining to contracts with accommodation providers, as the details are commercially sensitive, however I am happy to clarify for the position for the Deputy.

The International Protection Procurement Services (IPPS) has been engaged in assessing the offer of the property referred to for use as accommodation for International Protection applicants (IPAs), as per a proposal form submitted to the Department on 7th September 2023.

IPPS has now clarified that full disclosure in respect of the previous use of the property had not been made at the time of the proposal. I can confirm that following clarification of information received by IPPS, I have made the decision not to take up this offer of accommodation in Cashel Town Hostel as accommodation for IPAs, as to do so would impinge upon the provision of homeless accommodation services in County Tipperary.

This outcome is disappointing given the ongoing demand faced by my Department to provide accommodation in line with our legal obligations, particularly for adult males. However, I welcome the opportunity to clarify the situation for the Deputy.