Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The former St. Brigid’s Nursing Home, Crooksling is currently under the ownership of the HSE.

Further to a HSE review, the site was identified as surplus to HSE requirements. In line with the HSE Property Protocol and DPER Circular 11/2015, the HSE then offered the site to all State stakeholders through the Intra-State Property Register.

My Department expressed an interest in Crooksling for the provision of accommodation to persons seeking International Protection. The HSE welcomed this interest, as it would enable the site to be put into active use in the short-term, and provide investment which would potentially be of benefit for the longer term use of the site in the provision of community services.

My Department currently has use of the site under a caretaker agreement, subject to the transfer of asset process being complete. The Deputy's question should be directed to the HSE, which retains ownership of the site until such time as the site becomes the property of my Department.

Under Section 26 (1) of the International Protection Act, 2015, I am obliged to take all practicable steps to ensure that the identity of international protection applicants is kept confidential. To this end, measures are put in place to protect this right. This includes access to the site by the general public.

The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) also has a responsibility to protect the safety and security of its staff and residents at sites and centres.