Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I again acknowledge the role the Minister of State has played in securing funding for the accommodation worker in the Towers, as well as for the intercultural centre. I would, however, like to press him. My understanding is there is still contact between the RIA and the current contractor to try to resolve the issue, or at least to secure an extension to the current contract. Will the Minister of State comment on this? To clarify, is it possible for the contract to be extended if some other party tenders for the longer term direct provision contract and is successful? Turning to the RIA - I am not criticising any departmental staff member - the families living in Clondalkin Towers are very frightened and unsure about the future. Giving them late notice at night time of an afternoon meeting on the following day is not acceptable. I would like to see RIA staff in the centre on a number of days, both in the afternoon and evening, to work with the families to ensure they would have full information. I would also like the Minister of State to work with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, and the local authority to ensure the 68 adults and children who have status and could imminently be facing homelessness will receive additional support to get them into private rented accommodation.

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