David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have been in contact with the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, on this issue. He and his people are very aware of it and also assisting where they can. There is, however, a public procurement process under way covering the area within which the premises is located. It is a matter for any contractor, including the contractor involved, to make a submission in response to the procurement process. By the same token, it would be completely inappropriate for me to intervene in any way in that process, as the Deputy will understand. In this instance the contractor sought a longer term extension that would not have been in compliance with procurement law which we could not breach by agreeing to the request. The Reception and Integration Agency sought a short term extension to the contract to June 2019 to allow for a structured and orderly exit from the centre, taking schooling, etc. into account, but this was not acceptable to the contractor. However, we and the RIA remains open to any approach or suggestion from the contractor. The door has not by any means been closed. As I said, every effort is being made to support the residents, those who have status, as well as those without it. There is, however, a fair degree of pressure being exerted on the RIA to provide accommodation across all of its portfolio. It is a huge challenge, but I assure the House that every effort is being made to support the people concerned. I again thank Deputies for their support and constructive engagement on the matter.

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