Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
1030. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there are currently any plans for the relocation of families and individuals seeking international protection or temporary protection to Edgeworthstown, County Longford. [48117/23]
View answerIreland has provided accommodation to over 99,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection applicants. This compares with 8,300 in February 2022. This includes over 74,000 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) from Ukraine who required State supported accommodation.
In the context of this crisis, the State is availing of all suitable offers of accommodation made in order to address the urgent accommodation need. As a result of current constraints on temporary accommodation, it is necessary for the Department to transfer Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection to accommodation as and where it becomes available. My Department is considering accommodation suitable offers in all Counties, taking into account existing numbers and available service provision.
My Department currently does not have any contracted accommodation in the place to which the Deputy refers.
The Department is conscious of the need to ensure quality in all accommodation contracted, while also providing shelter and safety urgently to those who need it. In considering offers, my Department takes into account a range of factors such as accommodation suitability, rates, capacity and amenities. Every effort is being made to activate suitable accommodation offers.
