Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
161. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of persons currently accommodated in a hotel (details supplied); the capacity of that hotel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52219/22]
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 53,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 42,000 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, my Department has contracted in excess of 33,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 500 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings. 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. The scale of response to this crisis has been unprecedented and Irish people have displayed a commendable level of generosity in their support and pledges of accommodation.
Regarding the matter raised, I am advised by my officials that the hotel in question has all of its 764 bedrooms contracted to the Department and there are currently 1,704 beneficiaries of temporary protection orders accommodated there. The hotel is considered at capacity with this number.
I trust this information is of assistance.
