Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022
585. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide details of contracts awarded in 2022 by his Department or bodies under his aegis outside the standard procurement process in order to assist the arrival of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23189/22]
View answerMy Department is focused on providing short term accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Almost 20,000 people have been placed in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation to date.
In an effort to reach these solutions, my Department has contracted approximately 16,500 beds in hotels, guest houses and B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings with additional capacity also being pursued through Airbnb, accommodation pledged by the general public, state-owned or private properties which may be suitable for short-term accommodation, accommodation belonging to voluntary bodies, religious properties and Local Authority facilities. My Department is also investigating other options such as student accommodation for the summer period and holiday homes.
Given the number of people arriving, sourcing suitable accommodation continues to be a challenge. In seeking to address immediate accommodation needs, safety and security are the paramount considerations.
Due to the urgent need to provide immediate temporary accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, my Department is not always in a position to procure necessary contract(s) by advertising using the procedures set out in the Procurement Regulations. My Department intends to conduct a formal procurement competition for any services which may be required following the expiry of any agreement and once initial short term arrangements (using Article 32 of the Procurement Regulations) are put in place.
In relation to any contracts awarded in 2022 outside the standard procurement process in order to assist the arrival of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine, as required these will be compiled and submitted to C&AG before 31 March 2023.
