Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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291. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his plans for a hotel (details supplied) to remain serving as a refugee centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26923/19]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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My Department, through the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA), has commenced a national procurement programme for accommodation centres for persons entering the state and seeking international protection. This will comprise a series of regional competitions through the Government's procurement website www.etenders.gov.ie.

The Department ran a tender competition for premises within 40km of Newbridge, Co. Kildare for accommodation and ancillary services. Successful bidders were required to undertake mobilisation works to provide for cooking facilities for residents, a foodhall (where residents can procure ingredients and food items as well as toiletries and household items through a points system) and provide designated living space for families outside of the bedrooms. There is a 12 week provision for the completion of the required mobilisation works. No contract will be in effect until the mobilisation works are completed and subsequently inspected and verified as complete by RIA.

The provider who is currently providing accommodation and ancillary services at the Hazel Hotel in Monasterevin, Co. Kildare was successful in being placed on the framework. The 12 week mobilisation period commenced on the 11th April 2019 which requires all works to be complete by the 4th July 2019.

The contract is for an initial 2 year period and can be extended twice on a mutually agreeable basis for a year each time. The agreed capacity is for 143 persons and the centre will be used to accommodate a mix of families and single persons.