Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1379. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the engagement he has had with the International Protection Accommodation Services regarding the use of a hotel (details supplied) as an accommodation provider. [40895/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1380. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the contracted capacity of a hotel (details supplied) for use by the International Protection Accommodation Services. [40896/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1381. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the liaison officer and or non-governmental organisation group that is working with those living in the International Protection Accommodation Services centre of a hotel (details supplied); and if it is on a full-time or part- time basis. [40897/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1382. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when the questions presented to the International Protection Accommodation Services by the community will be answered in full. [40898/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1383. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the additional resources that will be provided to those living in a hotel (details supplied) given the rural nature of the town. [40899/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1379 to 1383, inclusive, together.
Since the lifting of international travel restrictions post-COVID 19, there has been a significant increase of new arrivals to Ireland seeking international protection. From the beginning of 2022, over 7,500 people – approximately 260 people a week - have come to Ireland seeking protection from fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. 30,345 people fleeing the war in Ukraine have been accommodated by my Department.
Due to the unprecedented demand, accommodation all around the country has been utilised to help house applicants and Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection on an emergency basis. The referred to centre has recently come into use for the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) to provide such temporary emergency accommodation.
In view of the unprecedented continuing demand for accommodation for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, it is planned that the centre will be directed towards that effort. International Protection applicants will gradually move to other centres as alternative accommodation becomes available.
IPAS is actively engaging with people living in the area and has met with them and local representatives on 15 July. IPAS officials are working closely with all temporary emergency accommodation providers in terms of the services that will be needed. As part of this, a clinic with the residents of referred to centre is taking place today, 26 July. This is an opportunity to listen to the concerns of the residents.
You can be assured that my officials will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that up-to-date information on the arrival of Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection will be shared shortly.
