Departmental Policies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2022

Wednesday, 6 April 2022

Questions (88)

Gerald Nash

Question:

88. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some if not all local authorities have effectively prohibited local authority tenants from accommodating refugees from Ukraine; if his Department is considering the issuance of advice or a circular to local authorities to temporarily relax the terms of tenancy agreements to allow tenants to accommodate refugees once the capacity of the home permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18751/22]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people fleeing the war in Ukraine and seeking protection in Ireland as part of the EU response.

As part of its response, Government is providing accommodation through the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) and is working closely with Local Authorities to provide accommodation for Ukrainian arrivals in a variety of settings including:

- Hotels, guest houses and B&Bs;

- Accommodation pledged by the general public, which is being assessed for suitability;

- State-owned or private properties, which may be suitable for short-term accommodation;

- Religious properties; and

- Local authority community facilities.

Government is working to ensure local capacity, resources and knowledge are brought to bear on the overall humanitarian response. In this regard, my Department has recently written to local authorities requesting they take the necessary steps to allow social housing tenants, who wish to do so, participate in the Irish Red Cross pledge scheme.