Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

116. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality for a list of all properties currently owned, leased, or otherwise used by an organisation (details supplied) or by any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, for the purpose of providing accommodation under contracts or funding arrangements with his Department, including through the International Protection Accommodation Services; and to confirm, in each case, whether the property is owned by the company, leased from a private landlord, or otherwise sourced. [52224/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

117. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide the total value of contracts awarded to an organisation (details supplied), or to any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, for the provision of accommodation under the International Protection Accommodation Services, by year from 2020 to date in 2025; and to outline whether these contracts were awarded by open tender, direct award, or emergency procurement. [52225/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

118. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the number of inspections or compliance checks carried out by his Department or its agents at properties operated by an organisation (details supplied), or its subsidiaries or affiliates, under IPAS contracts in each of the past three years; the number of deficiencies or breaches recorded; and the corrective actions required in each case. [52226/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

119. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to set out the due diligence procedures undertaken by his Department before entering into contracts with an organisation (details supplied), or its subsidiaries or affiliates, including checks on beneficial ownership, financial standing, and capacity to deliver accommodation in line with contractual standards. [52227/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

120. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number and nature of complaints received by his Department, or by agencies reporting to it, in respect of accommodation operated by an organisation (details supplied), or its subsidiaries or affiliates, under IPAS contracts in each of the past three years; and to outline the steps taken by his Department to address such complaints, whether from residents, staff, or local authorities. [52228/25]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 116 to 120, inclusive, together.

The organisation mentioned in the details supplied are contracted to provide international protection accommodation for international protection (IP) applicants.

Since 2024, once a centre is in operation, IPAS has not published details of the specific locations or the capacity or occupancy of our accommodation centres. This is due to both safety and security concerns, and to protect the privacy of international protection applicants in line with legal obligations under the International Protection Act 2015.

This provider is responsible for a number of smaller-scale accommodation centres through 5 service level agreements with the Department, contracted since 2022 during the recent period of unprecedented increase in applications.

While specific details of locations and contracts are not published by this Department, the type of accommodation provided by this provider are generally of much lower capacity per property than most IPAS accommodation centres.

In terms of complaints, the Department does not collate data on complaints or feedback by provider in the manner requested. However, all IPAS centres are subject to rigorous inspection and oversight.

The IPAS customer services team conduct clinics at IPAS accommodation centres and individual residents may raise a query or complaint directly with IPAS at any time by email through a dedicated contact centre, and may also seek support from external advocates as needed.

All international protection applicants also have access to the services of the Ombudsman and Office of the Ombudsman for Children, should they consider that their complaint has not been managed appropriately.

Centres are obliged to be maintained to National Standards, with independent inspection and quality control through either the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) or IPAS-commissioned inspections.

HIQA reports are available online here:

www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/inspection-reports

Reports of IPAS inspections are available online here:

www.gov.ie/en/international-protection-accommodation-services-ipas/publications/ipas-inspection-reports/

The Department can consider offers of accommodation from a tax-compliant company, subject to compliance with statutory requirements and minimum standards. The Department carries out due diligence on accommodation being contracted, including checks via the Companies Registration Office (CRO) to ensure compliance with CRO requirements and tax compliance checks by way of a valid Irish Tax Clearance Certificate.

Part of the appraisal process for a property is to confirm whether an offer has come from someone with the appropriate authority. Offers of accommodation can be made by a property owner, or another person who has authority do so, such as a leaseholder.

In all instances where the Department enters into a contract with an accommodation provider, the onus is on the provider to ensure all activities at the property are within legal requirements, including health and safety, fire, planning and building compliance.

Emergency accommodation centres are subject to inspections and compliance checks during the lifetime of the contract.

Detailed contractual arrangements in relation to IPAS accommodation centres are confidential and commercially sensitive. However, quarterly reports on all payments over €20,000 are published online and are available here:

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