Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 March 2023
178. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the percentage of hotel accommodation capacity in the State currently accommodating beneficiaries of temporary protection and applicants for international protection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11809/23]
View answerDeputy, My Department is currently providing accommodation to almost 20,000 international protection applicants (IPAs) and almost 60,000 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protections (BOTPs) who are fleeing the war in Ukraine.
In relation to the number of hotel beds currently contracted to My Department, there are 19,900 hotel beds contracted to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) and 6,014 hotel beds contracted to accommodate international protection applicants (IPAs).
The percentage of hotel accommodation capacity in use in the State which currently accommodates both BOTPs & IPAs is 26.05%.
The Department has had strong support from the hotel sector in 2022, even during the tourist season, and will continue to engage with stakeholders across this sector. While managing the current challenges in accommodating so many people, the Department is also working hard on other solutions that will allow us to provide accommodation and shelter to those who need it in the time ahead.
