Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 November 2022
141. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will clarify a matter (details supplied) in relation to Ukrainian refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59612/22]
View answerMy Department continues to assess and review all accommodation offers received on an ongoing basis as to their suitability to the needs of BOTPs.
My Department is in addition reviewing all commercial accommodation offers on hand. Consideration of offers is prioritised based on the capacity available, but all offers are considered.
When considering offers of individual homes as commercial accommodation for BOTPs, my Department has regard to the potential impact on the local private rental market. Only houses which can comfortably accommodate a minimum of 15 people are considered, these are generally houses with a minimum of 6 bedrooms. Offers of a number of houses, which together total at least 15 bed spaces, are not accepted, as this removes housing from the local property market. My Department will make an exception to this rule in the case of owners of holiday home villages, where the entire development will be considered for one contract for accommodation for BOTPs.
In addition, the accommodation must meet the Department of Housing standards for accommodation for homeless people. For example, a 3-bedroom house where the owner proposed to install bunk beds and not to provide any shared recreational space is unlikely to meet the standards. My officials in considering an offer also consider the local amenities available, including ease of transport to schools and shops. There is no guarantee that my Department will contract for every property offered.
