Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
544. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the role that his Department has in the provision of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees; the guidelines his Department is operating from in terms of the standards of accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50021/22]
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 51,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 40,000 of those have been referred to this Department 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.
Officials in my Department set out a range of contractual requirements to accommodation providers including the explicit requirement that the accommodation provided must be of a high standard. Specific requirements vary by type of accommodation setting (such as hotel, self-catering or repurposed accommodation). Contractors must comply with fire safety standards.
My Department endeavours to ensure that health and safety requirements are met and that adequate arrangements are in place with respect to essential requirements such as catering, as applicable, and laundry.
My Department responds to complaints that may arise in a timely manner via independent inspection and subsequent contract enforcement as required.
