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Ukraine War

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2022

Tuesday, 22 March 2022

Questions (652, 657, 671, 680, 681, 682)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

652. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the person or body to which enquiries (details supplied) should be directed; if a scheme is being introduced for such housing to cover electricity and heating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14728/22]

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Jackie Cahill

Question:

657. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if financial support will be provided to Irish families and persons who are taking in and hosting Ukrainian refugees in their homes in order to cover the basic cost of living of such an endeavour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13873/22]

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Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

671. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his Department’s plans for providing temporary and permanent accommodation for Ukrainian nationals fleeing into Ireland. [14353/22]

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Dessie Ellis

Question:

680. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans for the provision of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14513/22]

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Dessie Ellis

Question:

681. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he has identified private and public buildings which could accommodate the projected large numbers of Ukrainian refugees coming to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14514/22]

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Dessie Ellis

Question:

682. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if financial support from the European Union will be made available to facilitate the provision of accommodation, services and supports for Ukrainian refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14528/22]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 652, 657, 671, 680, 681 and 682 together.

My Department is providing accommodation to Ukrainian refugees who seek such accommodation. It is currently sourcing accommodation from hotels and guesthouses. It has also engaged with the Association of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland, the Defence Forces, the Health Services Executive (HSE) and higher education institutions to identify buildings that could potentially be repurposed for use to accommodate refugees.

Local Authorities have completed a survey for the Department of Housing of buildings in their local areas that could be repurposed for this purpose. My Department is working actively with the Department of Housing and the City and County Management Association to extend the supply of buildings with the potential to accommodate refugees.

We appreciate that many people may wish to make offers of accommodation to support those persons seeking temporary protection in Ireland. The Government is working with the Red Cross on the logistics has put in place a national pledge. The website has been launched and is available online through registerofpledges.redcross.ie . There has been a remarkable response by the public – already there have been over 20,000 pledges received. Members of the public are free to indicate whether or not they will offer property free of charge or if they will charge a rent for that property.

My Department has published a FAQ document on its website to help aid any questions people may have and more information on supports and services has been published at www.gov.ie/ukraine

The European Union will provide financial assistance through the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund and through other EU funds. These programmes are currently being finalised.

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