Dundrum House IPAS contract
Michael Murphy raised serious concerns about an IPAS contract for Dundrum House Hotel, citing ownership disputes, a recent incorporation, judicial review and council investigations. The Taoiseach said he would ask the Minister for Justice to examine the issues and said he could not comment on alleged irregularities.
Serious questions surround an IPAS contract recently signed with Dundrum House Hotel, putting 277 IPAS applicants into a village with a population of only 200. There are four real concerns. First, there are ownership disputes currently before the High Court. Second, the contract was signed with a company that was only incorporated in January this year and has no Irish shareholders or directors. Third, section 5 is currently the subject of judicial review. Fourth, the site is under investigation by Tipperary County Council for significant unauthorised development. In my view, the process is completely flawed. There is a lack of transparency and, apparently, due diligence. The programme for Government is clear that we need to reduce the number of hotels providing IPAS accommodation. I want to speak on behalf of the people of Dundrum and of the taxpayer. I know the Minister for Justice is taking responsibility tomorrow. Will the Taoiseach ask him to review this contract urgently, please?
Comment on this
My understanding is a lot of work happened during the time of the last Government. It would have been, I think, the Department of children at the time. I will ask the Minister for Justice to examine the issues the Deputy has raised. I presume he or other people have written to the Minister.