Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 June 2023
133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the procedure to be followed by a refugee (details supplied) wishing to relocate to care for two people in need of care, who is currently in a refugee centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31640/23]
View answerIreland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-government humanitarian response to assist over 85,000 arrivals fleeing the war in Ukraine, including 63,000 that 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 49,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 800 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
The priority is to place people fleeing the war in safe and secure accommodation.
All requests to relocate on medical grounds must be sent to DCEDIY UkraineTempAccom at -UkraineTempAccom@equality.gov.ie
UCTAT is focussed on providing temporary accommodation to BOTPs and state that they will not consider alternative accommodation unless it is due to the contract with the provider ending or on medical grounds, if there is availability in the system.
Medical Grounds Protocol
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has seconded a HSE staff member into DCEDIY UCTAT to respond to accommodation requests including priority medical conditions.
The intention supporting this Protocol responds to three scenarios:
1. For those BOTPs who are in hospital and are awaiting suitable accommodation in order for a discharge to proceed or
2. Where placement is essential in supporting the BOTP in accessing specialist services.
The final decision in relation to the offer of accommodation lies with UCTAT and is dependence on contracted accommodation stock and availability.
