Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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659. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the criteria his Department uses for identifying suitable properties for international protection applications; if his Department takes cognisance, in particular, of the remoteness of a facility and lack of connecting infrastructure to populated centres such as villages, towns and cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24142/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) is responsible for the procurement of accommodation for use by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).

Initial offers of accommodation are received by IPPS primarily through its email portal.

Once an offer is received, IPPS sends a proposal template to the prospective provider that they are required to complete and return. The proposal template seeks to gather as much information as is reasonably practicable to facilitate an objective assessment of the suitability of the premises to accommodate international protection applicants (IPAs). This includes information on the building's safety and fitness for occupancy, its catering provision and room sizes, its recreational and lounge facilities and various other criteria such as wi-fi, security provision and staffing.

When returned, IPPS reviews the proposal and any supporting documentation to assess the suitability of the premises. IPPS will often carry out an inspection of the property also. Properties must provide adequate space and must have a valid fire certificate. They must demonstrate that they can either provide catered options or facilities for international protection applicants to cook for themselves.

In the event where a location is not adequately serviced by public transport, IPPS will engage with the provider to ensure that suitable transportation arrangements are in place.