Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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293. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether any property in Ballybane, Galway city is being considered as a centre for international protection applicants; if so, the details of the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6007/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I thank the Deputy for this question. A response will be provided directly to the Deputy in the coming days. The Deputy may wish to be aware that the Community Engagement Team has been established within my Department which stands ready to respond to queries of this nature, and they may be contacted directly at community@equality.gov.ie

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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In terms of our accommodation procurement practices to date, my Department is acutely conscious of the need to ensure quality in all accommodation contracted, while also providing shelter and safety urgently to those who need it. Offers received on the online portal for accommodation of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) are assessed for suitability. The criteria to be met by providers is set out in the portal. This includes a range of factors such as accommodation suitability, rates, room sizes, capacity and amenities, information on the building's safety and fitness for occupancy, and various other criteria such as Wi-Fi, security provision and staffing.

When an offer is made to my Department to accommodate BOTPs, the onus is on the provider to ensure that the property is of an adequate standard and that the provider will provide the services in accordance with good industry practice and comply with all applicable laws.

I am advised by my officials that direct contact has been made with the party referred to by the Deputy confirming that the offer submitted did not meet the essential criteria to be considered for contract with my Department.

My Department is not in a position to comment on individual contractors or contractual matters due to the commercially sensitive nature of this information. This policy is likely to continue in future Parliamentary replies to questions of this nature from Deputies.