Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1105. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if it will be ensured that the housing and accommodation being provided to refugees complies and is certified to be in accordance with building regulations, fire regulations, health and safety regulations, planning regulations and Irish Water requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19415/22]
View answerMy Department is providing accommodation where requested to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Around 15,000 people have been provided with International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation to date.
IPAS has contracted approximately 5,000 hotel rooms, with additional capacity also being pursued through hotels, guest houses and B&Bs, accommodation pledged by the general public, religious properties, accommodation operated by voluntary organisations such as Scouting Ireland, and local authority facilities. In addition, arrangements are also in place with Airbnb to use some of their accommodation.
Offers of accommodation have also been pledged through the Irish Red Cross and work is ongoing to draw down these pledges, which will include inspections of the accommodation once permission has been granted by the owner.
Local authorities are providing information on potential accommodation in their local areas and assisting with the provision of emergency accommodation. My Department is working closely with local authorities to ensure that people are moved from emergency accommodation as soon as possible.
In seeking to address immediate accommodation needs, safety and security are the paramount considerations.
