Catherine Murphy
Question:797. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline his plans for the use of a building and lands (details supplied). [55614/22]
View answerTuesday, 8 November 2022
Questions (797)
Written answers
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the Temporary Protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months.
The Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 56,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 45,000 of those have been referred to us seeking accommodation from the State.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, my Department has contracted in excess of 34,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 550 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings. The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
The Government is resolute in its solidarity and support for Ukraine, and huge efforts are being made to source facilities that will provide those arriving in Ireland with safety and shelter.
Discussions are ongoing at this stage between the Department and the provider of the building which the Deputy referred to about its potential use to house Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. Should the contract be agreed, the facility is intended to be for families (mothers, fathers and children) and single females.
Question No. 798 answered with Question No. 740.