Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn has called for greater transparency and financial oversight of transport spending within the State’s international protection accommodation system.
Deputy O’Flynn raised the issue following a Parliamentary Question to the Minister for Justice regarding the cost of transporting newly arrived international protection applicants from ports of entry to accommodation centres, including Citywest.
In response, the Department confirmed that €2,223,717.55 was spent on transport within the International Protection Accommodation Service system in 2025 alone, but also stated that detailed information on how many people were transported and the cost per person is not available.
Deputy O’Flynn said the lack of basic financial data raises legitimate questions about oversight and accountability.
“Public money must always be subject to clear oversight. When millions of euro are spent on transport services, the State should be able to say how many people were transported, what the average cost per person was, and which providers were contracted.”
“The Department has confirmed transport spending of over €2.2 million in a single year. Yet it cannot provide figures on the number of individuals transported or the cost per journey. That is not a satisfactory position when taxpayer funds are involved.”
Deputy O’Flynn said the issue is one of governance rather than ideology.
“This discussion must remain grounded in responsible financial management. The Irish public expect that every euro of public money is tracked and accounted for properly.”
“Where public services involve large logistical operations, strong financial reporting and procurement oversight should always be in place.”
Deputy O’Flynn has now submitted further Parliamentary Questions seeking clarification on how transport services are procured within the International Protection Accommodation Service, what governance controls exist over this spending, and whether the Department conducts value-for-money reviews of these costs.
“The State should be able to provide clear answers about how these services are organised, who authorises expenditure, and how value for money is ensured. Transparency strengthens public trust and improves policy.”