Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1288. 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). [44308/22]
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 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. The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
My Department has contracted temporary hotel accommodation across the country in order to accommodate people fleeing war in Ukraine as the need arises. Many of those contracts are set to expire towards the end of the year but may be renewed if both parties are agreeable. I am informed by my officials that the accommodation provider detailed by the Deputy is one such contract.
My Department will work with the Contractor in relation to accommodation provision beyond the present contracted period.
