Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2022
546. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a response will issue to a request from a Ukrainian family (detailed supplied) that wish to return to Limerick have spent time here after their arrival. [50179/22]
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.
The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
The Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people seeking protection in Ireland as part of the European Union's overall response. Given arrival numbers, sourcing suitable accommodation continues to remain a challenge. Numbers seeking international protection have also increased adding to accommodation capacity issues.
The accommodation provided to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine by my Department is temporary in its nature, and given the number of people that are being accommodated it is not possible to develop tailored solutions for individuals or families. We understand and sympathise that people may wish to be accommodated in specific locations for a variety of reasons, but we cannot facilitate these requests given the number of people wishing to be accommodated by this Department.
Beneficiaries of temporary protection are entitled to make their own private arrangements including potentially availing of pledged accommodation if they wish, and can avail of some supports to do so. To date, 4398 Beneficiaries have been placed in 1,718 properties and this number continues to increase weekly. Those wishing to avail of pledged accommodation in a given area should contact the local authority in that area for assistance.
The Government is resolute in its solidarity and support for Ukraine, and huge efforts are being made to source facilities that will provide those arriving in Ireland with safety and shelter.
More information on supports available to Ukrainian people while they are in Ireland and information on how people and community groups can help can be found at the Government website: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/bc537-irelands-response-to-the-situation-in-ukraine/.
