Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
159. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide further details on the statement in Budget 2023 that accommodation for vulnerable applicants will be developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52217/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government made a commitment in the Programme for Government to end the current system of accommodation for International Protection applicants and replace it with a new model that is based on a not for profit approach. As part of this process I published A White Paper to end Direct Provision and to Establish a new International Protection Support Service on 26 February 2021. This paper sets out a new approach for accommodating applicants that seek International Protection in Ireland and will replace the current system including providing specific supports and tailored accommodation for vulnerable applicants.
As per the White paper model it is intended to commission Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) to provide targeted social care supports to meet the diverse needs of people in the International Protection system. This will include a programme to deliver a range of accommodation for vulnerable applicants. The vulnerability assessment process will determine the level of supports and the types of accommodation provided.
It is planned that the first accommodation for vulnerable applicants will be rolled out in 2023.
