Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 November 2022
238. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide a list of the properties provided to his Department for potential use as accommodation for Ukrainians by the Department of Housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57091/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that my officials are working closely with officials in the Department of Housing to identify accommodation for people who have fled the Ukraine war and are Beneficiaries of the Temporary Protection Directive (BOTPs).
The Department of Housing has worked with local authorities to identify potential commercial accommodation for BOTPs in each country, including hotels, B and B’s and hostels, which were passed to my officials for follow up. The Department of Housing has submitted over 5, 000 potential accommodation places to my Department under this initiative.
Some commercial accommodation has been offered to my Department through a number of channels – via the Department of Housing, local authorities, local representatives and/or directly by the accommodation provider. Due to the multiple offers of the same accommodation my Department does not record the source of the accommodation offer when it is contracted, so it is not possible to provide the requested information.
My Department is also working with officials in the Department of Housing on potential properties which require refurbishment before they can be considered suitable for accommodation for BOTPs.
