Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2023
310. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a location (details supplied) is due to be used as accommodation for people seeking international protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7797/23]
View answerDeputy, as of 05 February 23, there are 19,741 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole, compared with 7,500 at this time last year. Of this total, 4,096 are children. Since the beginning of 2022, Ireland and many other European countries are experiencing a significant increase of new arrivals seeking international protection (IP). Last year, over 15,000 people arrived in Ireland seeking accommodation while their applications for international protection is processed by the International Protection Office. Over the period 2017-2019 an average of 3,500 people applied for protection each year. The State has a legal and moral obligation to assess the claims of those who seek refuge, and in that time to provide accommodation and supports. Intensive efforts are undertaken daily by staff in DCEDIY and the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) to source emergency accommodation. However, procuring enough bed space to keep pace with incoming arrivals remains extremely challenging, leading to very significant shortages. All of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used. Given the significantly increased numbers of arrivals in the context of accommodation shortages, the Department is considering all offers of accommodation to address the shortfall.The Department cannot comment on any specific plans for accommodation pending the agreement of rates, terms and contracts with providers as this is commercially sensitive information. If a facility is being contracted for international protection accommodation, the Department engages with local representatives to provide information as soon as possible following the agreement of terms with contractors. Over the past year, communities across Ireland have demonstrated great solidarity and welcome for those who come here seeking refuge. I trust this information clarifies the matter Deputy.
