Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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305. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his Department's plans to purchase a facility (details supplied) for IPAS accommodation; the number of residents currently accommodated by IPAS at this complex; the number that may be accommodated when the complex is purchased; and plans to engage with the local community about future plans for this facility. [26537/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The complex referred to has successfully supported accommodation and decision-processing by the State for a number of years, and currently accommodates over 2,000 people, with both international protection applicants and people from Ukraine resident on the site.

The Government is committed to moving away from its reliance on the private sector to provide accommodation for people seeking international protection. In line with the Programme for Government and the Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy (CAS), the intention is to develop more accommodation on State-owned lands.

Steps are also being taken to speed up the international protection application process, and this reform should help curtail the need for constant growth in the accommodation system.

As part of implementation of the CAS, consideration is being given to the acquisition of suitable properties for use as state-owned facilities. For commercial reasons the Department is not in a position to comment on the specifics of any particular possible purchase.

Should any significant development at a new or existing centre be approved, this would be supported by full engagement with community and stakeholders in the relevant area.