Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 February 2024
111. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the contract that was signed between his Department and the D Hotel in Drogheda to provide accommodation services from March included any cooling off period in the contract in which one or both parties can examine, renegotiate or cancel the contract as agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9601/24]
View answer112. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if any contracts signed between his Department and providers of international protection accommodation services have been cancelled within a cooling off period over the years 2020 to date; if so how many; the reasons for each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9603/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 112 together.
International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) contracts do not contain a "cooling off" period, and therefore, no contract has been cancelled during such a period from 2020 to date.
Department officials are working tirelessly to bring more bed spaces into use, and since January 2022 have brought over 200 properties into use to accommodate those who arrive in Ireland seeking international protection.
With all new properties contracted by the Department to provide accommodation for IP applicants, the provider is required to provide detailed information, including a certificate of compliance by a competent expert, in relation to adherence to relevant regulations and suitability for use. The Department carefully appraises each property before contracts are issued and properties are also subject to pre-occupancy inspections.
