Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 November 2022
481. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department has availed of all of the accommodation offers that were made to his Department (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58713/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm to the Deputy that in excess of 35,000 beds are contracted to my Department with more than 650 accommodation providers for the purposes of accommodating Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs). This accommodation includes hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering and certain other repurposed settings.
Other accommodation sources include
- Airbnb,
- Pledged accommodation,
- State-owned or private properties that may be suitable for short-term accommodation,
- Accommodation belonging to voluntary bodies,
- Religious properties and
- Local Authority facilities
Overall, given the scale of the unprecedented crisis response, providing access to suitable accommodation for persons fleeing the war in Ukraine remains a significant challenge. In sourcing and securing accommodation, the central consideration is the safety and security of the displaced people fleeing conflict.
I can confirm to the Deputy that a number of properties have been contracted by my Department and are providing accommodation to those seeking shelter and safety in Westport and its environs. The offers of accommodation are greatly appreciated and I commend the efforts of all in that locality and community in assisting those seeking assistance as part of the wider national humanitarian response.
Offers received are reviewed by the relevant division within my Department with a view to assessing the suitability of accommodation to the needs of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. In certain instances, some properties may not have been accepted as the Department does not engage in the procurement of private houses/apartments that may impact on the private residential property market.
