Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 November 2023
279. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on (details supplied); when this application will be processed; the outstanding documentation required; when this applicant will be inspected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51687/23]
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 over 100,300 people who have sought temporary protection in Ireland in fleeing the war in Ukraine, 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 commercial settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
With regard to the offer to which the Deputy refers, I am advised by my officials that they are liaising directly with your constituent and correspondence was sent on 9th of November requesting further documentation. Until the same is received, the offer cannot be progressed by the Offer Management Team.
My Department continues to assess and review all suitable accommodation offers received on an ongoing basis as to their suitability to meet the needs of BOTPs.
