Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

118. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality whether his Department has plans for an IPAS centre in a facility (details supplied). [50699/25]

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

119. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the criteria and processes being used to assess the suitability of a property (details supplied) as an IPAS centre. [50700/25]

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

120. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department is in negotiations to use a facility (details supplied) as accommodation for asylum seekers. [50701/25]

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
Link to this: Individually | In context

121. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department is seeking to change the use of a facility (details supplied) from accommodation for refugees to asylum seekers. [50702/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 to 121, inclusive, together.

The Department has not received an offer of accommodation at this location and is not currently examining this property for use as international protection accommodation.

Providing reception conditions – accommodation and other basic supports – to people seeking international protection is part of Irish and EU law.

The Department receives regular offers of accommodation from external commercial providers and does not predetermine their geographical location. All offers of IP accommodation are reviewed by the Department under a standard appraisal procedure.

Factors in the appraisal of IPAS accommodation include the site and its potential, the value for money it offers, planning matters and any works required to meet the required standards.

Consideration is also given to the location in relation to access to services, resident welfare, health and wellbeing, and the current level of need in the sector.

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

The Department's Community Engagement Team (CET) engages directly with elected representatives, local authorities, community members and service providers, in advance of any new centre opening.