Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 March 2023
10. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of tourist accommodation centres and hotels currently under contract with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth that are expected to revert to the tourism trade for this year's tourist season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8565/23]
View answerThe International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is encountering significant challenges currently in providing accommodation to the elevated arrival numbers of international protection applicants. IPAS is also experiencing an accommodation shortfall for current residents due to the impending loss of contracts with large hotel contractors.
IPAS continues to rely on hotels for much of its existing accommodation capacity. However, a number of large hotels have informed IPAS that they are ending their contracts with IPAS either in full or partially. IPAS will lose 1,300 beds between now and the end of May 2023 as a result of contracts ending.
Although families are being prioritised for accommodation, some families, as well as single persons, may be affected by the closures.
Intensive efforts are being undertaken daily by staff in DCEDIY to source emergency accommodation with over 2,000 bed spaces having been procured for use since 1st January 2023 which is not sufficient to meet demand.
In addition IPAS has had to re-accommodate almost 2,000 people where hotel and short term emergency locations have ended in 2023.
On the Ukrainian response, my Department is in ongoing negotiations as contracts expire, with a significant number of hotels who have previously been accommodating Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPS) on a full board basis.
The Department circulated a questionnaire to providers seeking their intentions as to plans for renewal of contracts or otherwise. Initial indications are positive but negotiations are ongoing and a number of providers have yet to confirm their intentions.
Over the past few months, in relation to accommodation needs arising for those fleeing here, the Government has moved from an immediate crisis response to into a longer term response. Central to this is a move away from reliance on serviced accommodation and towards State-owned units. To this end, my Department is developing modular homes in locations across the country; alongside this, we have an expanded programme of refurbishments, and are developing alternative rapid build options.
