Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
495. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current use of a facility (details supplied); if he has plans to use this facility for applicants in the International Protection Accommodation Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22335/24]
View answerSince the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, my Department continues to work as park 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, approximately 107,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) have arrived in Ireland and over 84,000 of those have been referred to my Department seeking accommodation from the State.
The property to which the Deputy refers is in contract with my Department to provide emergency temporary accommodation for BOTPs. At present, there are 55 BOTPs residing in the property and there are no planned relocations to alternative accommodation for them. At this time, no International Protection applicants (IPs) reside at this location.
Over the coming months, my Department will be reviewing its entire accommodation portfolio and has commenced renewing contracts as they end for existing accommodation that meet my Department's accommodation portfolio requirements.
Upon the conclusion of the current contract with the location to which the Deputy refers, my officials will engage with the accommodation provider to consider the renewal of the contract for accommodation of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection at this location.
