Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1286. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on a request by a group (details supplied) for the appointment of a national lead for the refugee response. [44306/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1287. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on a request by a group (details supplied) for the mandating of a State body to develop medium-term accommodation for refugees. [44307/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1286 and 1287 together.
Since 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 47,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 36,000 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.
Given the number of people arriving, sourcing suitable accommodation continues to be a challenge. In seeking to address immediate accommodation needs, safety and security are the paramount considerations.
I can confirm that the Department of the Taoiseach has responsibility for chairing an all of Government Senior Officials Group (SOG) which meets regularly to consider and review matters relating to the accommodation needs and requirements of those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
Furthermore, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth engages with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) frequently on Ukraine related matters. These engagements are fruitful in terms of exchanging information and updating the NGO sector broadly on ongoing developments.
In addition, the Department engages with local authorities who are co coordinating the Ukraine response at local level, through the Community Response Forum. I have had the privilege to visit and meet with community representatives responding and assisting those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The humanitarian response to the crisis throughout Ireland has been overwhelming. I wish to commend the efforts of all those involved -NGOs, volunteers, community representatives and staff and officials from my own Department, the Department of Justice and the Department of Social Protection.
My Department and its staff will continue in their efforts to assist those arriving as best they can, working with colleagues across Government, agencies and those in communities on a coordinated response.
