Fazyard

Spending in contentious sector surges by 41% – from €129.4m in 2019 to €183m last year

Figures show five companies were paid €64m for accommodating asylum seekers

Concern that ‘outside forces’ are ‘piggybacking’ on local protests

Demonstrations took place at the hotel on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of last week

Department of Justice says move will exacerbate serious shortage of accommodation for those who come to Ireland

Six firms paid more than €5m each as asylum seeker numbers increased by 18%

Avoca owner Aramark paid €5.2m for three centres in which 850 asylum seekers live

Some companies involved in direct provision make millions of euro in profits

Private firms have been the real beneficiaries of asylum system

Many firms in asylum accommodation have millions in accumulated profits