Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to return to an issue which we have previously discussed. I refer to the oversight of the international protection accommodation services, IPAS, spending on direct-provision accommodation. Last week, I asked the Minister responsible how many inspections had been carried out by the compliance team or by independent inspection companies in the first half of 2024. Within three days I received a reply that stated, "My officials are collating the information sought and will respond in due course". Of those inspections, I asked how many compliance issues were identified, including those of a financial nature such as suspected overpayments. Again, I got a reply which stated, "My officials are collating the information sought and will respond in due course". I cannot help but wonder if this is to do with the fact that I will no longer be around to ask difficult questions. I would hope not, because this raises an issue of transparency in respect of the spending State money. Those who issued the reply did confirm that there are investigations into overclaiming and overspending going on. Even if this does pass muster with the Ceann Comhairle's office, is the Tánaiste happy that there is transparency in how money is being spent by IPAS on direct-provision accommodation?

See this speech in context