Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
478. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth how much his Department has paid to date in 2023 in respect of accommodation provided by IPAS; how much his Department currently expects to have paid in respect of accommodation by the end of 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53501/23]
View answer480. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline how many bed nights were paid for by IPAS each night of 2023 and how many persons were residing in accommodated paid for on each night of 2023. [53503/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 478 and 480 together.
Ireland is currently accommodating more than 100,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants.
This includes over 74,000 Ukrainian people who have sought accommodation from the State and over 26,000 IPAs currently in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation.
The total spend on International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation in 2022 was €356m. There were 19,202 people in IPAS accommodation on 31st December 2022.
At a year-end average of overall cost divided by the number of people residing in IPAS accommodation, the average annual figure for keeping an International Protection (IP) applicant in IPAS accommodation for one year was €18,568.59.
As at 24th November 2023, the total spend on IPAS accommodation is €617m. It is anticipated that a further spend of €544,000 will be required, by year-end.
The payment of IPAS accommodation is based on contracted capacity rather than individual occupancy. The number of people who are resident in IPAS accommodation will vary day to day throughout the year as the number of daily arrivals increase on a cumulative basis.
The Department is conscious of the need to ensure quality in all accommodation contracted, while also providing shelter and safety urgently to those who need it. In considering offers, the Department takes into account a range of factors such as accommodation suitability, rates, capacity and amenities. Every effort is being made to activate suitable accommodation offers.
