Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1151. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will place one State official in each refugee reception centre to act as a liaison officer for persons in those centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20758/22]
View answerMy Department is focused on providing short term accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Approximately 16,500 people have been placed in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation to date.
IPAS has contracted approximately 5,000 hotel rooms, with additional capacity also being pursued through all suitable means including, hotels, guest houses and B&Bs, religious properties, pledges of accommodation, accommodation operated by voluntary bodies such as Scouting Ireland, and local authority emergency facilities.
Given arrival numbers, sourcing suitable accommodation continues to be a challenge and appointing liaison points in each individual centre of accommodation is not possible as this time. However, in each Local Authority Area community fora have been established to bring together supports for those who require it and to act as a conduit for information for those in accommodation in these areas. This aspect of the response is being coordinated by colleagues across Government in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and in the Department of Rural and Community Development.
My Department is working very closely with the local authorities, through the County and City Management Association (CCMA) to identify emergency short term options to meet continued demands for accommodation. The operation and management of refugee reception centres is the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
My Department is overseeing a reception centre at City West focused on those arriving at Dublin Airport and supports are available at this centre for those who require it focused on providing short term accommodation services.
The Department continues to cooperate with colleagues across Government on an all of Government response to this challenge.
