Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
421. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a unit (details supplied) is to be used to accommodate international protection applicants; and if this decision has not been made, the timeframe for it to be made. [50556/23]
View answerThe State has a legal obligation to assess the claims of those who seek International Protection (IP), and in that time, to provide accommodation and supports in line with the Recast Reception Conditions Directive (SI 230 of 2018), to those that require it.
The International Protection Procurement Service (IPPS) continues to explore all offers of accommodation for international protection applicants IPAs in as far as it can. There remains an acute shortfall with respect to accommodation, and IPPS is working to bring further properties into use to ensure that all those who arrive in Ireland seeking shelter can be accommodated.
IPPS is currently responding to an offer of accommodation made in respect of this property.
As part of the appraisal process, IPPS seek evidence that all applicable building and planning obligations have been met by the provider. The Class C20 F exemption was relied upon in relation to this offer. The use of this property has been paused, pending clarification of the exemption being relied on. This is a matter between the Local Authority and the provider.
IPPS will keep this offer under review pending conclusion of the matters outlined.
