Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 February 2022
125. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department will endeavour to ensure insofar as possible that those persons seeking international protection who are approved for housing here will have housing offers made in locations reasonably proximate to the location they have been receiving emergency accommodation provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5134/22]
View answer195. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to ensure that all children and families in direct provision being moved from congregated hotel-style living are housed in own-door or independent living accommodation as close as possible to the community in which they have been residing. [5159/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 195 together.
Under the new model set out in the White Paper to End Direct Provision, all accommodation in reception and integration centres will be own-door for families and own-room for single people.
In addition, applicants for international protection will move to accommodation in the community after four months where single persons will be in own door accommodation in units of approximately ten people while families will be accommodated in own door accommodation. This will take the form of apartments and houses.
Those who acquire status and who are currently resident in International Protection Accommodation Service accommodation are receiving support to acquire accommodation in the community from Peter McVerry Trust and De Paul.
Both organisations provide support to persons with status to source accommodation throughout the country, particularly in locations of the person's preference. Regarding housing offers being made in locations near to applicants' emergency accommodation, that is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLG).
Persons who have been in the International protection process are entitled to all housing options available through their Local Authority. This includes the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
A person seeking HAP is not required to have been on the social housing waiting list for a lengthy duration. The payment facilitates employment and allows for movement between Local Authorities.
Info on Tender - types of accomodation, contract types, timelines for tender
