Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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638. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for an update in respect of a property (details supplied); if his Department has extended or granted a contract to provide international protection applicants accommodation; the duration of contract, and whether it includes and optional extension; the amount provided to the provider to date since it has been used as an accommodation facility; and whether his Department has conducted an audit or review in respect of the ownership and beneficial ownership structure. [34163/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department has a contract in place with a provider to provide international protection accommodation at this location. The property is contracted to provide accommodation to up to 90 women who have applied for international protection. The end date of that contract is 30 April 2026.

With respect to contract renewals, the provision of accommodation for international protection applicants is demand-led, and each premises is considered on a case by case basis to decide if the contract will be renewed as it approaches its end date.

The Department conducts all contractual negotiations on the basis of there being no guarantee of the continuity of a contract beyond its end date. At renewal stage, consideration will be given to the current and projected demand for accommodation, the provider's performance under contract, and compliance with standards and legal obligations.

The Department carries out due diligence on accommodation being contracted including checks via the Companies Registration Office to ensure compliance with Companies Registration Office (CRO) requirements and tax compliance checks by way of a valid Tax Clearance Certificate.

Detailed contractual arrangements for the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres are confidential and commercially sensitive, however quarterly reports on all payments over €20,000 are available online at Gov.ie here:

www.gov.ie/en/collection/dfdadb-department-of-children-and-youth-affairs-purchase-orders-for-20000-o/.