Marian Harkin
Ceist:1073. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for clarification on an issue (details supplied). [36812/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 July 2023
Ceisteanna (1073)
Freagraí scríofa
Ireland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, my Department has worked extensively to accommodate over 89,000 arrivals fleeing the war in Ukraine, of which 65,000 have sought accommodation from this Department.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, the Department has contracted in excess of 49,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 800 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
The priority is to place people fleeing the war in safe and secure accommodation.
I am advised by my officials that my Department is currently not in negotiations with the Hotel referenced in your question.