Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of the problems caused by the Government's policy of privatising immigration and impact it has on communities, services and people seeking international protection. Not once were public representatives, the TDs, in Drogheda contacted in advance of that contract being signed to ask for our opinions or how it would impact our town. It was only after the contract was signed that we were contacted. The Taoiseach said over the weekend that a partial reversal of that decision was being examined, namely the dual-use option. However, the Minister had told us the day before that this was not possible and that the contract had been signed. We are now 16 days out from the change. The Taoiseach has said he is examining the issue now. Will he tell us what progress was made? When will we know? The Taoiseach has acknowledged that the dual-use option was used in three other areas, so why was it not used as part of the negotiations for the D Hotel in Drogheda? Why was nothing done until the contract was signed? When will we know if the dual-use option - the Minister said that it was impossible to change and could not be changed - can be changed by the Taoiseach?

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