Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
567. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide details of the State-owned buildings in County Clare that have been brought forward as suggested accommodation centres for individuals seeking international protection; which of these have been deemed unviable; which are still under consideration at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10279/24]
View answerThe Department is currently accommodating over 100,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants. This includes approximately 75,000 Ukrainian people who have sought accommodation from the State and over 27,000 IP applicants currently in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation.
In this context, there is a recognition that the underlying assumptions on which the White Paper was based on need to be re-examined, as the assumptions underpinning it are based on there being 3,500 new arrivals each year. A review of the timelines and deliverables was initiated. A memo will be going to government for approval setting out a revised implementation approach with an increased focus on adding State owned accommodation capacity.
The Department is in the early stages of planning its approach for the delivery of the increase state owned accommodation capacity.
While further details are not available at this time; the Department, has released its interest in Unit 153 in Shannon Business Park for accommodation for International Protection (IP) applicants. The Department is grateful for the offer and all the assistance given by the Office of Public Works (OPW). This was the only state owned property being considered in County Clare.
