Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 October 2022
246. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a commercial offer of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees (details supplied) has been examined by IPAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54028/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra248. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a commercial offer of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees (details supplied) has been examined by IPAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54072/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra249. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a commercial offer of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees (details supplied) has been examined by IPAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54073/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra250. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a commercial offer of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees (details supplied) has been examined by IPAS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54089/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 248 to 250, inclusive, together.
Since 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 54,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 43,000 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 34,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 550 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
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 priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
Regarding the matter raised, I am advised by my officials that the Department does not enter into commercial arrangements for individual private houses or apartments. These properties can be pledged privately or to the Irish Red Cross via their online pledge system at registerofpledges.redcross.ie/#/, and there is a €400/month accommodation recognition payment available for those who pledge accommodation.
For commercial properties, based on logistical reasons, my Department would require a minimum of 15 bed spaces to proceed with a review of an offer of accommodation. If this is the case, the procurement division can be contacted directly at Ukraineaccommodation@equality.gov.ie.
I trust this information is of assistance.
