Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
428. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for his urgent assistance with a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49513/23]
View answerIreland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, as part of the Whole of Government response the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has worked extensively to support approximately 100,000 people who have sought temporary protection in Ireland in fleeing, over 80% of whom have sought State supported accommodation.
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 59,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 980 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
In relation to the property referred to by the Deputy, my officials have advised that my Department will keep the offer open and continue to review the property at the Procurement stage.
