Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
1064. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the actions being taken to house homeless refugees camping at Mount Street’s International Protection Office; if the gathering of non-IPAT homeless individuals has been noted by his Department; and the efforts that are being to end drug use in the camp by such individuals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27748/23]
View answerThe International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres are operating at full capacity across the accommodation system due to the record numbers of people arriving to Ireland seeking international protection. Officials continue to work tirelessly seek accommodation solutions to the increasing numbers of international protection applicant (IPA) arrivals.
Emergency centres have been opened in all parts of the country to alleviate pressure in the system. There have been in excess of 150 accommodation locations utilised since January 2022 across 23 counties. These options are necessary in order to provide shelter to international protection arrivals, to meet basic needs and to prevent homelessness.
The Department is continuing to engage with providers on new accommodation and it is hoped that a number of properties will come into use this week, pending finalisation of fire certification matters with the relevant authorities, that will accommodate a significant number of those currently unaccommodated resulting in a reduction of the numbers of people currently unaccommodated.
As at 13 June the number of IPAs currently unaccommodated stands at 46, with 1,462 IPAs who were previously unaccommodated having subsequently received an accommodation offer. Further offers of accommodation will happen this week. Arrangements are also being made for a temporary tented facility to be established at the former Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum which, once established, will be for use by international protection applicants who are not accommodated initially.
Matters in relation to anti-social behaviour or drug use remain a matter for An Garda Síochána.
