€6m contract for Aramark to run direct provision centres classed as 'non-compliant'

The government paid out more than €6.3 million to Aramark, the company that owns Avoca, to run direct provision centres in 2021 without going through proper spending processes.

The multinational firm was paid the money by the Department of Integration to manage centres at Knockalisheen, Kinsale Road and Athlone, as part of a contract that was awarded in a manner non-compliant with procurement guidelines.

The finding is contained in a letter to the Dáil’s public ...