Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
1009. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on outstanding payments to an accommodation centre for Ukrainian refugees (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27055/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is prioritising making more timely payments of valid invoices, including providing more resources to address any issues, and outsourcing of elements of the process to speed up processing and to respond to supplier calls.
Every effort is being made to pay businesses as promptly as possible in respect of Ukraine accommodation. The Deputy will be aware of the challenges involved given the scale of accommodation provision (now standing at 64,000 serviced and emergency accommodation beds provided).
With regard to the service provider referred to, I am advised by my officials that the outstanding invoices are currently being processed with payments expected to issue shortly, pending final checks.
My Department will continue to press on to eliminate the payments backlog while ensuring appropriate governance is in place to safeguard the proper spending of Exchequer funding.
