Mr. Brian Purcell:

In summary, as has been indicated, it is a very costly system. A value for money report in 2010 stated there was no cheaper alternative to direct provision. However, we constantly give consideration to options for reductions in the cost of the accommodation provision given the tight nature of the available budget. Due to the exceptionally difficult state of the national finances and in response to the need for all Departments to achieve such reductions, we have been looking closely at expenditure in all areas, including the Reception and Integration Agency, RIA. In that context, we sought and achieved a reduction in spending by an overall 6% from April to December 2009. That was the equivalent, over a full year, to 8% and these savings continue to be implemented through 2010, 2011, 2012 and beyond. Together with the rate and bed reductions achieved under this exercise, we have been able to deliver a level of savings that has enabled us to live within our overall budget.

We monitor closely all elements of the cost in the centres and continually strive to deliver value for money. One thing we have tried to do in more recent years is to reduce the level of vacant beds we are obliged to carry in the system. We have managed to achieve that to a point where we never have more than a maximum of 10% of vacant beds in the system. We have had this in place since 2011. It is a large and complex undertaking and as the Deputy is aware, it initially was introduced in a crisis situation and has evolved subsequently. The primary objective is to provide a level of accommodation and service that is suitable in the particular circumstances. However, we are doing everything possible to try to ensure we get value for money. The nature of the element of expenditure to particular contractors obviously is a result of the number of centres we have and their location.