Ireland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, my Department has worked to accommodate an unprecedented volume of persons seeking refuge following the invasion of Ukraine, with over 79,000 people arriving in Ireland, including 58,000 who have sought accommodation from this Department.
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 47,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 750 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings. In addition, more than 7,000 beneficiaries have also been accommodated in pledged accommodation properties.
The priority is to place people fleeing the war in safe and secure accommodation.
I am advised by my officials that the accommodation referred to by the Deputy has been prepared on foot of the Guidelines for Temporary Accommodation in Existing Buildings for those fleeing the war in Ukraine, produced by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. As part of the contract with the accommodation provider, my Department retains the right to inspect the premises at its discretion, either directly or via a service provider contracted to do so. Inspections will be actioned periodically or on foot of any particular issue arising.
Matters relating to GP services and schools are appropriate to the Department of Health and Department of Education respectively who are also assisting those fleeing the war in Ukraine as part of the whole of Government response.
