Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
506. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if more appropriate lines of communication be opened between IPAS and the local community of Kinnegad. [22530/24]
View answerAs at 12th May, there over 30,000 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole (of whom 7,356 are children) compared with approximately 8,700 people at the end of February 2022.
These figures are combined with the arrival of over 100,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the largest displacement of people in Europe since the Second World War. Over 75,000 BOTPs are in state-provided accommodation.
This is a nationwide urgent situation and centres have been opened in all parts of the country. Since January 2022, the Department has brought over 200 properties into use to accommodate those who arrive in Ireland seeking international protection. All of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used. While demand continues to outstrip supply, the Department on behalf of the Government, is doing all it can to ensure that families and children have been accommodated.
A Community Engagement Team (CET) has been established to engage directly with elected representatives, relevant Local Authorities, Local Development Companies, and other entities and individuals.
The purpose of the team is to improve the flow of information regarding arrivals into areas and to help equip local communities with the accurate information required to help them understand the current situation. The team does not have a role in the procurement of premises or the allocation of new arrivals.
