Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
570. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth where an offer of a building for accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection fleeing the war in Ukraine is received by his Department, and the property is subject to an open enforcement case by the local authority, if it is incontrovertibly deemed unsuitable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10339/24]
View answerIreland is now accommodating over 100,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants.
The Government is focused on how to continue the sustained support for those fleeing the war in Ukraine, including those already here, as well as those likely to be further displaced by the ongoing conflict. It should also be noted that as part of Government policy a move to a more sustainable accommodation strategy is underway.
My Department is now focused on the stand up of larger scale designated accommodation centres for new arrivals and a reduction in the overall privately provided accommodation stock being used for BOTPs. Some existing accommodation in my Department’s portfolio will be converted into designated accommodation centres, over time, along with the development of other sources of accommodation such as refurbished properties, rapid builds and modular accommodation as part of the whole of Government response to this humanitarian crisis, and the unprecedented numbers of people seeking asylum and refuge in Ireland.
My 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. Once an offer is received on the online offers portal for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) accommodation it is assessed for suitability to accommodate BOTPs. This includes a range of factors such as accommodation suitability, rates, room sizes, capacity and amenities, information on the building's safety and fitness for occupancy, and various other criteria such as Wi-Fi, security provision and staffing.
When an offer is made to my Department to accommodate BOTPs, the onus is on the provider to ensure that the property is of an adequate standard and that the provider will provide the Services in accordance with good industry practice and comply with all applicable laws including but not limited to all obligations in the field of health and safety, environmental, social, child protection, and labour law that apply at the place where the Services are provided.
The DCEDIY online offers portal is currently not accepting offers of commercial accommodation. It is, however, open for offers of refurbished properties and expressions of interest for modular residential developments.
I am not aware of any commercial property being contracted for Ukrainian BOTP accommodation that was subject to an open enforcement case by a Local Authority.
