Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1261. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are specific targets for each county that have to be met (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17615/23]
View answerUnder the Recast Reception Conditions Directive (SI 230 of 2018), the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is legally required to provide accommodation to international protection applicants who seek it while their claim for international protection is being determined by the International Protection Office which falls under the aegis of the Department of Justice.
The accommodation of international protection applicants (IPAs) and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) is a demand-led process with applicants arriving in the country and seeking accommodation spontaneously.
There are no targets set for each county to receive a specific amount of IPAs or BOTPs. The Department receives offers of accommodation from commercial providers directly who are located all over the country.
The Department is open to seeking accommodation proposals from all over the country including the use of office buildings and sports facilities, to address the accommodation shortfall.
These options are necessary in order to provide shelter to international protection arrivals, to meet basic needs and to prevent homelessness.
Emergency centres for IP accommodation have been opened in all parts of the country. There have been over 130 accommodation locations utilised since January 2022 in 23 counties across Ireland.
