A Tipperary TD has accused Minister Norma Foley of evading questions on a deal to use Dundrum House for IPAS accommodation.
Deputy Mattie McGrath had tabled a question on a €20 million contract signed with a Spanish registered company to operate the hotel as an asylum centre.
However before the Topical Issue came up in the Dáil the Minister left the chamber.
The issue was instead taken by Jerry Buttimer – the Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development.
This added to Deputy McGrath’s anger at the situation in Dundrum.
“I’m appalled that the Minister left this chamber twenty minutes ago – Minister Norma Foley who is responsible for this. She fled – but she can’t hide from the people. It’s disgusting to treat elected representatives like this.
“But the blackguarding that’s gone on here – this is €20 million in taxpayers money with a “paper” company that’s not there. We know it’s the same owners who have it. The people who have been dealing and blackguarding and not interested in the wellbeing of IPAS people. Interested in the greasy pocket and I’m shocked that the government here think they can wash their hands like Pontius Pilate.”
