Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Ukraine War

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

Ceisteanna (1422)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

1422. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of residents in an area (details supplied) regarding the lack of consultation regarding the housing of asylum seekers in a local hotel and the difficulty which they have in getting any information about this matter or having any point of contact; if he will introduce a protocol to ensure that local residents are provided with clear information and details of a named person in the managing agency who can answer relevant questions and address concerns as they arise including in the case of a proposal such as this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41828/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

Barr
Roinn