Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1150. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of reception centres that have been brought into use to accommodate Ukrainian refugees; the centres that have been opened, remain open or have been discontinued by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20756/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is focused on providing short term accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Approximately 16,500 people have been placed in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation to date.
IPAS has contracted approximately 5,000 hotel rooms, with additional capacity also being pursued through all suitable means including, hotels, guest houses and B&Bs, religious properties, accommodation operated by voluntary bodies such as Scouting Ireland, and local authority emergency facilities. Given arrival numbers sourcing suitable accommodation continues to be a challenge.
The Department understands that offers of accommodation have been pledged through the Irish Red Cross portal and work is on-going involving a number of stakeholders to draw down these pledges.
My Department is working very closely with the local authorities, through the County and City Management Association (CCMA) to identify emergency short term options to meet continued demands for accommodation. The management and operation of these reception centres is the responsibility of the local authorities.
My Department operates a facility in City West to process the requests for accommodation of those fleeing Ukraine.
