Private firms with offshore links running asylum seeker centres

Several private firms which received tens of millions of euro in State funding for asylum seekers’ accommodation are owned or part-owned by offshore firms based in the Isle of Man and British Virgin Islands.

In all, the Government has given almost €800 million to private firms to accommodate asylum seekers since 2000.

The system – which provides shelter for up to 4,600 asylum seekers across 34 centres – has been criticised by campaigners for providing sub-standard accommodation.

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA), the State body responsible for accommodation says all companies involved go through a tendering process and are contractually obliged to have valid, current tax clearance certificates.

Most such firms are involved in hospitality or catering. In recent years, several have become unlimited companies, and are thus not obliged to provide details of their accounts.

Official figures show that Mosney, in Co Meath, has been paid about €101 million for accommodating asylum seekers at the former Butlin’s holiday resort since the direct provision system began. Its main shareholder is listed as El Molino Hotels Ltd. The main owner of El Molino is Sonning Unlimited, based in the Isle of Man.

Millstreet Equestrian Services, based in the Green Glens Arena, Cork, is another major provider and has run centres in Cork, Tipperary and Waterford. The company, which has received at least €52 million from the State, includes Noel C Duggan and Thomas A Duggan as its directors.

In 2010, it became an unlimited company. Its two shareholders are listed as Isle of Man-based firms Arabella Unlimited and Tolosa Ltd.

RIA said it constantly engages with its contractors to ensure value for money is being achieved and standards met.