Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 June 2022
148. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the long-term plans for the accommodation of Ukrainian refugees currently staying in a hotel (details supplied). [33176/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the temporary protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.
The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months. My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here.
To date, more than 35,000 people have arrived in Ireland and just in excess of 25,000 of those have been referred to us seeking accommodation from the State.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, a broad range of accommodation types have been contracted, including emergency accommodation. While this is not ideal, the priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
Numbers seeking international protection have also increased adding to accommodation capacity issues.
I can confirm to the Deputy that the hotel named by the Deputy is contracted by my Department to provide accommodation in respect of Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection to a period later in the year. The Department continues to engage with accommodation providers to secure accommodation as the year progresses.
My Department sits on the cross-sectoral and cross-departmental Humanitarian Crisis Housing Taskforce which is chaired by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and which is leading cross government consideration and development of medium and long-term accommodation solutions. Advancing these properties will involve further engagement with all relevant stakeholders.
Due to the scarcity of accommodation available, all options remain under consideration.
