Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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50. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality whether his Department is aware of properties being retrofitted or acquired for IPAS use in advance of planning or public notification; and whether he will commit to a register of sites under assessment, to be shared with local authorities and Deputies. [35227/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) provides accommodation and other basic supports to people applying for international protection in Ireland. This is part of EU and Irish law.

As part of our work to source and develop international protection accommodation, the Department receives multiple offers of accommodation from property owners and providers around the country.

The Department does not have a role in planning regulation; Local Authorities are responsible for processing and reviewing applications for planning permission.

As part of preparing documentation in order to make an offer to the Department, a provider may make an application to the Local Authority under the Planning and Development Act 2000 for change of use of that property as accommodation for international protection applicants.

This is a single stage in the overall comprehensive appraisal process for international protection accommodation and often occurs before the Department of Justice has commenced a detailed appraisal.

As such, information requested in relation to potential properties being acquired or retrofitted in advance of planning application is not available in this Department.

All commercial offers are appraised by a dedicated team according to a range of factors. These include the site and its potential, value for money to the State, due diligence on the provider, and planning and regulatory matters. Consideration is also given to the location and locality, access to services and health, wellbeing and security factors.

Part of the appraisal process for a new contract includes review of the property’s services and compliance, and this done in conjunction with the Local Authority where relevant.

In relation to current offers of accommodation being made to the Department, the Community Engagement Team is available to provide timely responses to elected representatives who have queries about such offers.

If a property is approved for use as international protection accommodation, the Department provides detailed information to elected representatives and the local community in advance of it coming into operation.