IPAS report response
The Taoiseach acknowledged the report, joined in welcoming visitors, and said the Government needed to examine the findings after responsibilities for migration and IPAS were moved to Justice.
First, I join the Ceann Comhairle in welcoming the active retirement group from Midleton, and Ability West. I have a strong fondness for Midleton women.
Comment on this
I know. In any event, in terms of the bike shed the Deputy referenced earlier, the Minister of State, Deputy Moran, is saying the approximate cost for the actual bike shed was €32,000. There is a lot more going on there.
In terms of the IPAS, that report was circulated today and we need to examine it. We have transferred responsibility for migration and IPAS centres from the Department of children to the Department of justice. There was huge pressure over the past number of years in respect of the migration system.
This necessitated urgent responses by the Department of children in terms of the location and securing of places on an emergency basis. We will examine that report. Certainly, our aim is to reduce costs significantly and get better value for money. The Minister for justice is taking a number of initiatives designed to do that.