Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

737. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the plans in place to reopen the leisure centre at a location (details supplied), to ensure it remains open in the long-term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61277/25]

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

741. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if a review of security staffing numbers has taken place or will take place in relation to the Citywest Hotel campus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61283/25]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 737 and 741 together.

The Department is aware that the leisure centre at the Citywest Hotel and Convention centre complex is a valued local amenity with approximately 3,000 members. Following the purchase of the complex, the Department contracted the current provider to oversee the management and provision of service for the gym and the existing workforce was maintained under the transitional agreement.

Due to the public disorder outside of the Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre campus, access had to be restricted to the campus for residents, staff, and members of the public accessing services including the leisure centre and restaurant. This measure was taken to protect the safety of all people who may be on the campus.

Members of the leisure centre were informed about the access restrictions and refund arrangements by the management. I can further advise the Deputy that community members and representatives were informed on Friday November 7 that members of the gym would be facilitated with access to the Leisure Centre from Tuesday November 11. A number of measures have been put in place to facilitate initial reopening and correspondence has issued to all members to inform them of the reopening of the gym and the new measures in place.

An Garda Síochána is working closely with the Department regarding security arrangements at the campus and this is being kept under regular review. Public access to the campus, including the leisure centre, remains restricted at this time and there will be ongoing communication including with local public representatives in respect of any update to this.

It is not appropriate for the Department to disclose detailed information about security arrangements in this context.

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

738. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality his views on information made available through FOI requests in relation to antisocial behaviour, drug use and dealing and security incidents at a facility(details supplied); the number of individuals in total who have been recorded in each year from 2023 to date for such various breaches; the enhanced plans being put in place to protect other residents on the campus and the wider community from such individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61278/25]

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

The Department, 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.

In relation to your questions on incidents at the accommodation centres provided on the site for both people from Ukraine, and people applying for international protection, information released by my Department indicates a high degree of vigilance and reporting of incidents by staff and officials.

Facilities management at Citywest have a close working relationship with An Garda Síochána at both Clondalkin and Rathcoole stations. This includes continuous liaison, regular meetings, security updates, and Community Gardaí involvement.

It is important to note, 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 security arrangements on the site, my officials are working closely with An Garda Síochána at this time, and keeping such arrangements under careful review. 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 remains in touch with all key local stakeholders, and will continue to assist and work with local representatives and community groups.

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

739. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the current and future plans for the use of the address hotel, Citywest as an international protection location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61279/25]

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

The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) had received an offer of accommodation for people seeking international protection at this property, however the property is no longer under consideration.

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

740. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to outline in full his proposal to make a site available for a Garda station on the Citywest Hotel campus; the precise communications with the Garda Commissioner in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61280/25]

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

The State purchased the Citywest Hotel and Convention Centre in August 2025, and my Department’s Community Engagement team have been meeting with and hearing from local stakeholders since June 2025 as part of the purchase process.

Community members and elected representatives have raised suggestions about local services as part of these engagements. These suggestions have included the potential development of a new Garda Station in Saggart.

This and other suggestions will be considered in the context of the Government's commitment to listening to local people and leaders, and helping to support the delivery of services in the area.

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

742. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to amend the current policy of the community engagement team not routinely meeting with individual residents and to facilitate a consultation day (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61284/25]

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

The Community Engagement Team (CET) was established in late 2023 to engage directly with elected representatives, local authorities, community members and service providers, in advance of a new centre opening.

Access to wider public services such as health and education services for IP applicants is set out in Irish and EU law, and this is planned for and provided by the HSE, the Department of Education and other cross-Government services.

As such, IPAS and the CET are in regular contact 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.

Since its establishment, the CET has worked through the openings of over 130 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.

The CET responds to local requests for meetings, adjusting to the needs of the relevant community, and this has often involved meeting local resident groups, representatives and individuals.

The team also supports information sharing through a dedicated email service for queries from local groups about new and existing centres.

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.

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

743. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the references to Irish cultural norms, including in relation to interactions with women and children in public and activities considered antisocial behaviour are contained in the current edition of the IPAS Resident Handbook; when an update is planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61286/25]

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

744. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if any classes or exams in relation to Irish cultural norms, including in relation to interactions with women and children in public and activities considered antisocial behaviour have taken place at the Citywest Hotel site, or are scheduled in the near future; if there are any locations where such training currently takes place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61287/25]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 743 and 744 together.

All residents of IPAS accommodation are provided with a dedicated IPAS Resident Handbook - this handbook contains information about Ireland, the international protection process, supports available to persons in the protection process and information about practical services like schools and community services.

The handbook is available online at the link below:

A range of other support services are provided directly to people in IPAS accommodation centres to support them to settle in, and to support them in their day to day needs while they are resident with us.

This includes an IPAS customer service team, who is available online, or at resident clinics on site, to assist people to resolve any issues that arise in their accommodation, including responding to and resolving complaints.

IPAS provides a resident welfare service, which assists residents in accessing wider needs from other agencies or Government Departments and looks at people's welfare needs, e.g. health and social care, education or other entitlements and needs.

My Department also provides funding for integration teams within each Local Authority, and a range of funding schemes for communities, to support integration of people who newly arrive to an area.

The Local Authority Integration Teams provide a range of supports to both new and longer-term residents, connecting them with the wider community as a whole.

Education and Training Board and other education supports are provided to people in IPAS accommodation, many of the integration and community supports provided focus on helping people to find work so that they can build independence and integrate within their communities.

They also offer English language classes and further education and training to refugees, people arriving from Ukraine and eligible international protection applicants to help them to find work.

The rules are explicit that violence and sexual harassment are not tolerated, could result in a withdrawal of IPAS accommodation, and will be reported to An Garda Síochána.