€655m paid to asylum centre firms

The State paid out more than €655m over 10 years to firms and individuals providing accommodation for asylum seekers.

Figures released by the Department of Justice show that Mosney in Co Meath received over €89m between 2000 and 2010. The firm is led by Louth businessman Phelim McCloskey and has capacity for 600 asylum seekers.

East Coast Catering received payments of €77.9m; Bridgestock, based in Sligo/Mayo, was paid €50.3m; and Noel C Duggan’s Millstreet Equestrian Services was paid €42.6m.