I propose to take Questions Nos. 478 and 480 together.
Ireland is currently accommodating more than 100,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants.
This includes over 74,000 Ukrainian people who have sought accommodation from the State and over 26,000 IPAs currently in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation.
The total spend on International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation in 2022 was €356m. There were 19,202 people in IPAS accommodation on 31st December 2022.
At a year-end average of overall cost divided by the number of people residing in IPAS accommodation, the average annual figure for keeping an International Protection (IP) applicant in IPAS accommodation for one year was €18,568.59.
As at 24th November 2023, the total spend on IPAS accommodation is €617m. It is anticipated that a further spend of €544,000 will be required, by year-end.
The payment of IPAS accommodation is based on contracted capacity rather than individual occupancy. The number of people who are resident in IPAS accommodation will vary day to day throughout the year as the number of daily arrivals increase on a cumulative basis.
The Department is conscious of the need to ensure quality in all accommodation contracted, while also providing shelter and safety urgently to those who need it. In considering offers, the Department takes into account a range of factors such as accommodation suitability, rates, capacity and amenities. Every effort is being made to activate suitable accommodation offers.