Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

219. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if the tendering process for direct provision services within 40 km of Newbridge, County Kildare, has concluded; if so, the details of the successful bidders; if not, when it will conclude; when the successful bidders will be announced; and the effect the outcome of the process will have for the future of a direct provision centre (details supplied) after June 2019. [12330/19]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Following the completion of the assessment of tenders received following a public procurement process, the Department of Justice & Equality has formed a framework for centres within a 40km radius of Newbridge to provide accommodation and ancillary services for persons seeking protection through the international protection process.

Four bids were submitted and placed on the framework for 40 km of Newbridge.  These bids are as follows:

The Department has commenced the drawdown process in respect of those placed on the frameworks. Bidders must commence a mobilisation period to carry out all works required to deliver on their proposals. It is a condition of the tender that all residents will be able to cook meals of their own choice and that families will have access to designated living areas where they can carry out normal family activities outside of their bedrooms.

Contracts will be commenced on completion of the mobilisation works. Contracts are for an initial 2 year period with two potential extensions of one year each.

I am pleased that the Towers Accommodation Centre has been successful in being placed on the framework and following the completion of the mobilisation works, residents will enjoy greater autonomy and independence in the centre.  The contract with the Towers Accommodation Centre, as with other centres placed on this framework, will be for a minimum of two years.  

The Department is continuing to roll out its public procurement process on a regional basis throughout the state in 2019. As with the competitions for Sligo and Newbridge, it will be a condition of the tender that that all residents will be able to cook meals of their own choice and that families will have access to designated living areas where they can carry out normal family activities outside of their bedrooms.