John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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1301. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide for the inclusion of local TDs in the community-engagement process regarding the establishment of IPAS and Refugee/Asylum Centres, close to their constituencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58890/25]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The Department receives regular offers of accommodation from external providers and does not predetermine their geographical location. All offers of accommodation are reviewed by the Department under a standard appraisal procedure.

Factors in the appraisal 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 and locality, access to services, resident welfare, health and wellbeing, and the current level of need in the sector.

The Community Engagement Team (CET) was established to engage directly with elected representatives, local authorities, community members and service providers, in advance of a new centre opening. The approach has been to engage with elected representatives in the relevant area, be that constituency in the case of TDs, and municipal district or area committee in the case of city and county councillors.

As such, IPAS and the CET are in regular contact elected representatives in the relevant area and with NGOs, Community Fora, local services, the HSE, Education services, An Garda Síochána and others, to help prepare for a new centre and new arrivals.

The team also supports information sharing through a dedicated email service for queries from local groups about new and existing centres. The CET is happy to take enquiries and share information and updates with elected representatives from neighbouring constituencies for their information.

Since its establishment, the CET has worked through the openings of over 140 IPAS and Ukraine accommodation centres. Some of these have involved a simple sharing of information through the relevant channels, while others have involved more detailed meetings with local community groups, local officials, public representatives and other key stakeholders.

There have been many consistent examples of meaningful and productive engagement, and service providers and elected representatives around the country demonstrate ongoing support for our work and for our residents.

In relation to larger State-owned sites, the model of engagement has been developed to plan for more meaningful dialogue to support these larger centres, particularly those on state-owned lands being developed under Government policy to move away from dependence on commercial providers.

As part of the Programme for Government 2025, Securing Ireland’s Future, there is a commitment to expand the work of the CET to provide for detailed discussions with communities and to plan more effectively for delivery of increased public services.

As part of wider commitments within the Programme for Government, the overall goal is to reform and improve the overall international protection process, to ensure that we can curtail the need for ongoing growth in the accommodation system.

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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1303. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the steps which are being taken to provide ongoing security at a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58892/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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My Department along with, An Garda Síochána, and a range of local partners and stakeholders have been working hard to respond to the ongoing very difficult events of recent weeks in the vicinity of Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre.

The serious incident alleged to have occurred in the locality, and the violent protests that took place have raised significant concerns, particularly for people and local representatives in the area.

Firstly, in relation to the alleged crime, a person has been arrested and charged in relation to this incident and is now before the Courts.

In the circumstances, I am precluded from commenting or providing detailed information, as this may prejudice any consequent investigations or court cases.

It is important to note, notwithstanding this alleged crime, An Garda Síochána has clearly stated that there is no correlation between an increase in crime rates and the location of international protection accommodation.

In relation to the disorder seen in the area following this alleged crime, while people are entitled to peaceful protest, what occurred on the evenings of 21 and 22 October was not a peaceful protest.

A large Garda operation was in place with nearly 300 members of An Garda Síochána on duty. There were sustained attacks on gardaí, including physical violence, bricks thrown, fireworks discharged and the arson of a Garda van.

The Garda Public Order unit were deployed in full protective equipment. An Garda Síochána adopted a graduated approach and acted quickly to restore order in challenging circumstances.

A number of arrests were made for public order offences and a full criminal investigation has commenced.

In relation to security arrangements on the site, my officials are working closely with An Garda Síochána at this time, and keeping such arrangements under careful review in order to protect all people living and working in the vicinity. It is not appropriate for the Department to disclose detailed information about security arrangements in this context.

My officials and the Department’s Community Engagement Team has remained in touch with all key local stakeholders throughout the last weeks, and will continue to assist and work with local representatives and community groups in the area.