Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 October 2022
166. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on plans to relocate 60 Ukrainian families to Thurles; if the essential educational and health wrap-around supports will be provided in unison with this move; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52465/22]
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.
To date, 4,465 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) have been housed in 1748 pledged accommodation settings and this figure increases each week.
As part of this considerable national effort, the Government has also approved the construction of 500 modular accommodation units. The OPW is leading the development of this accommodation in conjunction with my Department.
Commencing in October 2022, the programme aims to provide accommodation to 2,000 BOTPs, predominantly women and children, at several sites across Ireland. As part of this process, a site was identified in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, which OPW has assessed and deemed suitable for 60 modular homes. Each modular home is designed to accommodate up to four persons. It is planned that these modular homes will be delivered by year-end.
Construction disruption will be limited as the homes are manufactured offsite. My Department will provide for the management and maintenance of the homes and sites once completed.
My Department is working with other Departments and Agencies to ensure the additional resources needed are in place. My Department works closely with the Department of Health in relation to the healthcare needs of displaced people from Ukraine. The HSE has been notified of the proposed number of residents for each site and associated potential healthcare needs. The Department of Education is planning for the extra school places that may be needed. If the local school does not have enough places, alternative arrangements will be made to bring occupant children to schools close by.
Given the emergency nature of this significantly accelerated programme, the development of modular homes to assist the Ukrainian humanitarian response will greatly support families fleeing from the war in their country.
I trust this information is of assistance.
