Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 September 2023
470. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide all documents and relevant information on the timing and pathway to the designation and development of the Waterways Sallins, as a centre for those seeking international protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40961/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra493. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide information on a matter (details supplied). [41434/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 470 and 493 together.
Contractual arrangements for the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation centres are deemed confidential and commercially sensitive. It would not serve the public interest to divulge documents or contracts held to contractors for services, as it could prejudice the Department's negotiating position to deliver value for money with respect to other accommodation providers and locations.
However, the Deputy may wish to note that the Waterways Hotel, Sallins, Co. Kildare, was offered to the Department through its Request for Tender (RFT) for "Bespoke Panel Agreement for the Provision of Accommodation Services and Related Services for Persons Seeking International Protection" which was published in the fourth quarter of 2022.
The Department is now in the process of agreeing a contract with the Tenderer.
A contractor who offers a building for use as accommodation for applicants for International Protection, whether through a tender process or emergency accommodation proposal, is required to ensure that any change of use to IP accommodation is compliant with planning law. In the event that a change of use is required, the contractor may rely on SI 376/2023 which applies to both IP and BOTP accommodation (superseding SI 605 of 2022 which applied to IP only).
The published Term of any resultant contract awarded under the RFT is for a period of two (2) years. The Tender submitted for this property was for Type 1 (adult) accommodation.
The property will provide 56 double and twin rooms. It is expected that this property will be available for occupation, following carrying out of mobilisation works, by year end.
A new community engagement and communications approach has been developed in partnership with my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach, as well as other key departments and agencies. The newly established Community Engagement Team will develop more effective co-ordination across Government Departments, agencies, local authorities and communities, regarding the movement of people in and out of accommodation centres, and ensure coherent messaging and strong communications on migration.
My Department will continue to liaise with the Department of Education and Skills and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in regard to the services offered by those Departments in supporting the provision of extracurricular and recreational activities for persons here seeking international protection and welcomes their input into programmes and projects that assist in integrating new arrivals into their community.
