Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
602. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which he and his Department continue to offer assistance to children and families fleeing from the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19477/24]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, my Department continues to work as part of the whole-of-Government response with a focus on providing access to emergency temporary accommodation to those fleeing the conflict who request it, in line with Government policy. To date, over 106,000 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) have arrived in Ireland and approximately 84,000 of those have been referred to my Department seeking accommodation from the State.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it was immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, my Department has contracted providers of accommodation to accommodate BOTPs in approximately 1000 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings where over 48,000 BOTPs are currently accommodated.
Since 14 March 2024, under a revised policy, anyone fleeing the war in Ukraine, who registers for temporary protection and is looking for State-provided accommodation in Ireland, is accommodated for a maximum of 90 days. They are provided with food, laundry, other services and integration supports in Designated Accommodation Centres (DAC).
My Department also supports the Irish Red Cross and its implementing partners to maximise the capacity of pledged accommodation in supporting the accommodation needs of BOTPs. To date, over 18,529 BOTPs have been placed, since the start of the schemes, in accommodation pledged to the Irish Red Cross and to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage ‘Offer a Home’ appeal.
Additionally, my Department is identifying families that potentially fit the maximum capacity profile for the Modular/Rapid Build homes. Families consisting of 4 people are currently being considered.
Child safety is paramount and a formal Child Safeguarding Statement was signed into operation in the Citywest Transit Hub. This statement was adopted to ensure best practice is followed in line with the provisions of the Children First Act 2015 and the Children First National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children.
Tusla also have a full time on-site officer. Senior DCEDIY staff completed a Children’s First Designated Liaison Person training course and over 100 staff on site have completed child safeguarding workshops.
Accommodation providers contracted by my Department for the provision of accommodation to BOTPs must provide 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.
My Department will continue to provide access to suitable temporary emergency accommodation to BOTPs who seek State supported accommodation, in line with Government policy. My Department will also continue to work with other Departments and Agencies in support of the whole of Government response to this crisis.
