I propose to take Questions Nos. 420 to 425, inclusive, and 444 together.
The Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people seeking protection in Ireland as part of the European Union’s overall response. The scale of the response to this crisis has been unprecedented and Irish people have displayed a commendable level of generosity in their support, in their welcome for beneficiaries into their communities, and in pledges of accommodation.
In the context of this crisis, the State is availing of offers of accommodation from multiple sources in order to address the accommodation shortfall. Demand for emergency accommodation remains high, with new arrivals to the State daily from Ukraine.
Regarding the matter raised, I can advise the Deputies that multiple sources of offers of accommodation are considered. Full assessments are undertaken of the suitability of sites and structures offered. Offers of accommodation are brought to the attention of my Department and can be submitted to ukraineaccommodation@equality.gov.ie. Upon receipt, officials in my Department review such offers through applying criteria and assess the suitability of each accommodation offer in terms of providing suitable accommodation to the short-term needs of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. My Department does not engage in procuring private residential houses and private apartments and for logistical reasons, offers of accommodation must exceed 15 bed spaces for a review to be conducted.
I can confirm that emergency centres have been opened in other parts of the country. Similar centres are open and operating successfully in Ballyogan, Dublin and Millstreet, Cork. If confirmed for use, this accommodation is intended to house people displaced by the war in Ukraine who have claimed temporary protection in Ireland. This accommodation is intended only for short term use. As more suitable accommodation becomes available – e.g. hotels, guesthouses or pledged accommodation – families will be moved as soon as possible.
Discussions are ongoing about the potential use of the site to which the Deputies refer to and the matter is still under consideration. A briefing with Public Representatives has been provided for on this subject.