Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
946. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason that his Department is yet to respond to an offer of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees from a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63358/22]
View answerMy Department is focused on providing immediate, temporary accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. This has involved entering into arrangements with over 650 providers including hotels, guest houses and B&Bs, religious properties, with additional capacity operated by voluntary bodies and local authority emergency facilities.
The offer of accommodation has been noted and is appreciated. My Department continues to assess and review all accommodation offers received on an ongoing basis as to their suitability to meet the needs of BOTPs. The focus presently is on those offers of scale that can be activated in a timely fashion and fully meet requirements.
Procurement and contract negotiation with potential and existing providers continues on a daily basis. The Department is also working to pivot certain full board serviced contracts to bed only, to give effect to the recent Government decision. I am advised by my officials that due to unprecedented engagement from those making offers, there have been some delays in responding to some providers. Engagement with suitable providers will take place as soon as possible.
