Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
69. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update from the cross-departmental group on moving international protection applicants from tourist accommodation to more suitable accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45556/23]
View answerThe state, through its whole of Government approach, is committed to delivering accommodation solutions beyond tourist accommodation to international protection applicants (IPAs) and beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOPTs).
The number of IPAs arriving in the county remains significantly elevated. In the first forty-two weeks of 2023, nearly 9,000 people have arrived in Ireland seeking accommodation from the State, averaging 214 people per week – which is more than triple the average from 2017-2019.
In the context of the increasing international protection (IP) numbers since January 2022, there is a recognition that the underlying assumptions on which the White Paper to end Direct Provision and Establish a new International Protection Support Service was based need to be re-examined, as the assumptions underpinning it are based on 3,500 new arrivals each year. This work is being undertaken by my Department, with input from the White Paper Programme Board and the External Advisory Group.
In terms of accommodation, there has been a focus on increasing the state owned accommodation capacity including progressing the purchase of pre-existing buildings and advancing the planning process for the construction of purpose built centres
Additionally, an Accommodation Working Group (AWG) has been established within the Department of An Taoiseach to support DCEDIY; the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Local Authorities and the OPW in the delivery of accommodation for those from Ukraine and in the context of continuing arrivals.
An expanded programme of work has now been agreed by Government to enable consideration of accommodation beyond serviced accommodation. These types of accommodation could include: consideration of commercial properties and sites for development, refurbishment or the use of alternative modular buildings.
This work is being progressed by relevant departments and agencies working together as part of the AWG and a National Coordination Unit which is established in the Local Government Management Agency to ensure delivery on the expanded work stream at local level.
