Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is good news, but it should never have happened.

I understand that the engagement to get beds for emergency accommodation is done through third parties. Effectively, the services are dealing and negotiating with entrepreneurs, who block book bedrooms. There is job of work to do to streamline the protocols for emergency accommodation and ensure that they are transparent, appropriate and respectful. Ultimately, we want to ensure that the quality of accommodation for people who come to this country seeking our assistance is up to standard and taxpayers' money is used in the most efficient way.

It is often asked where somebody would get full board and bed for €35 a night. That is good value. However, when a facility is 100% occupied, seven days a week, every week of the year, it is easy to achieve those efficiencies and provide it for €35. We have a duty to significantly and fundamentally upgrade all the direct provision centres.

People such as members of this committee should not be hearing stories from residents. Until such time as that does not happen, unfortunately, the delegates will be before this and other committees to explain the reason it does happen.