Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
470. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what his Department’s plans are for a family home in County Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49909/23]
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, the Department has contracted in excess of 59,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 980 mainly private settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
I am advised that my Department is not aware of the property to which the Deputy refers.
It should also be noted that my Department does not procure or contract private houses or apartments for a variety of reasons including impact on the private residential market.
