International Protection Bill 2026: Committee Stage (Resumed) and Remaining Stages
Dail Éireann — 2026-02-25
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David Cullinane (SF), Waterford

Previously and over the course of a number of hours last week, we spoke a lot about the asylum application process itself and the need for transparency in that area. We spent a lot of time today and last week as well on the previous amendment that was taken in relation to the community impact assessments, which the Minister did not accept. Again, that was about transparency and making sure communities were at least consulted and had a voice in relation to what was happening in their communities.
We have a similar amendment here in regard to contracts, subcontracts, financial schedules and so on. At the heart of this is a small number of people who have become very wealthy on the back of providing IPAS accommodation. I agree with Deputy Kelly. It is not that we want more private accommodation; it is happening. I certainly support more public provision. That is where we should be and it was something the Government committed to before. The Minister has talked about this in the past himself when he said some progress is being made but I can tell him that people see it themselves. They know what is happening in their own communities, where they see people who are making huge amounts of money out of this. It is accommodation that, in some cases, is hotels in areas where we know that is not the best way to provide IPAS accommodation. In other areas, it is accommodation that is not really fit for purpose but somebody saw an opportunity to make money. There is anger about the level of profiteering and the scale of profits being made by these individuals.
Notwithstanding all that and whatever views we might have of using such accommodation - and I agree with previous speakers that public provision is always best, rather than lining the pockets of these wealthy people - unfortunately it is happening. Unfortunately, it is a feature of this Government providing IPAS accommodation and there is no transparency. What an Teachta Carthy is trying to do through this amendment is to bring some level of transparency whereby we and the public are aware of exactly what is being paid. As the amendment states, "The Minister shall publish all contracts". Is there a reason that cannot be done? On subcontracts, is there a reason that cannot be done? On financial schedules, is there a reason that cannot be done, or in regard to performance reports and compliance assessments relating to accommodation, which would surely benefit everybody?
In life and politics, we know that transparency protects everybody and a lack of transparency is our enemy. We have seen that on this and other issues. If the Government is not transparent in what it is doing, or is not seen to be transparent, that causes more difficulties and challenges for the political system and more damage within communities. For that reason, I ask the Minister to support the amendment.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-02-25/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:41+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-02-25