Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
823. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the procurement process will be expedited and finalised for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39774/23]
View answerIreland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has worked extensively to accommodate over 93,000 arrivals fleeing the war in Ukraine, approximately 80% of whom have sought accommodation from my 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.
Department officials have advised that the offer to which the Deputyh refers has progressed to the final stage. The offer will now be subject to further detailed review by a member of that team. My officials will contact service providers in the normal manner.
Offers are prioritised based on capacity and the immediate needs of the BOTPs arriving.
