Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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782. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 1309 of 4 November 2025, the reason that two contracts with a company (details supplied) were terminated in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61853/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The State is currently accommodating almost 33,000 people in 319 321 International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres around the country, over 9,000 of whom are children.

As we respond to changing trends, and work toward a more stable and sustainable accommodation system in this sector, accommodation is being developed and delivered through a range of channels, with a focus on developing more State-owned accommodation.

The Department continues to appraise the portfolio of existing accommodation with a view to consolidation where possible, along with better governance and compliance, and increased frequency of inspections of properties.

In 2025, 21 contracts have been terminated by the Department and details of each contractual process are treated as confidential and commercially sensitive.

Reasons for termination can include non-compliance with contractual terms or with regulatory requirements such as building and fire regulations or planning matters.

While commissioning emergency commercial accommodation will continue to be necessary in the short to medium term, it is being contracted on a short-term basis, which enables the State to decommission this capacity with agility as contracts expire or demand fluctuates.