Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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659. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the nature, duration and extent of an agreement between a hotel (details supplied) and her Department; the length of time the arrangement will last; the purpose of the arrangement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14632/20]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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In early March 2020, as part of my Department’s rapid response to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, an examination of all offers of suitable accommodation was undertaken. This included the premises mentioned by the Deputy, which had previously been visited by a senior official.

A range of accommodation options were urgently brought on stream to reduce density in our centres and to protect anyone who may have been at risk. A number of new permanent accommodation centres were opened and a number of hotels were contracted to offer additional capacity as a temporary measure.

In addition, my Department, in conjunction with the HSE, opened four self-isolation facilities in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Dundalk. These facilities offer increased supports, including medical and social service supports, to residents who may be at risk and/or need to self isolate.

Initial contracts are on a renewable roll over basis for three months at a time. This remains under review and will be subject to demand for suitable accommodation and the evolution of the pandemic response.