Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1166. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total yearly cost to his Department to date for security at centres for BOTPS and for IPAS applicants, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12543/24]
View answerThe International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) carefully appraises each property that is offered for use as accommodation for International Protection (IP) applicants before contracts are issued, and properties are also subject to pre-occupancy inspections to ensure they are adhering to the requisite standards.
IPPS advises all potential providers of accommodation of the need to provide sufficient security to protect their property while the appraisal process is underway, and furthermore, to the requirement to maintain the safety and security of the IP applicants for which they will be providing accommodation once contracted.
The provision and management of numbers of security staff at IP accommodation centres is a matter for the centre management and service providers and is not dictated by the Department. However, the requirement to have adequate security forms part of the contract to accommodate IP applicants. The Department requires that centres are adequately staffed for the running of the centre and that there is a 24/7 staff presence. The particular security needs of each centre are assessed by each provider and agreed with the Department prior to the opening of the centre.
With respect to beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTP), the Department does not pay directly for security services at BOTP accommodation centres. The majority of Ukrainian BOTP accommodation centres do not have security in place. If security is deemed necessary at a centre, it is included in the rate paid to the facility provider, as part of the overall agreed service provision in the contract.
