Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
435. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department will assist and make contact with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6807/23]
View answerMy Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled to Ireland from the war in Ukraine. To date, more than 73,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 54,000 of those have been referred to this Department 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 42,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 700 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.
I am advised that my officials are in discussions with the party referred to by the Deputy.
