Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The serious financial difficulties at the Peter McVerry Trust raise questions about the way the State outsources the provision of homeless services and accommodation to charities and private companies. Research published by Dr. Mary Murphy and others found that Housing First contracts were awarded to the lowest bidder at levels well below the cost of providing the service. Awarding contracts to the lowest bidder, even if that bid does not stack up financially, shows little or no regard for the homeless people who rely on these services, or for their welfare. Might awarding Housing First contracts to the Peter McVerry Trust at levels below what it cost to provide the service have contributed to the financial crisis the organisation faces?

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