Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 November 2022
140. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of persons currently being accommodated at the former ESB building in East Wall, by their country of origin, gender, age and whether they are single or part of a family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59608/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputy, there are 80 single males currently being accommodated at the former ESB building in East Wall. International Protection applicants have a statutory right to anonymity and, accordingly, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) does not provide personal information about the occupants of IPAS accommodation such as their nationality. Please see requested information in regard to age ranges below.
|
Age range |
Number |
|
40 years and over |
12 |
|
30 years to 39 years |
29 |
|
20 years to 29 years |
33 |
|
18 to 19 years |
6 |
Under the Recast Reception Conditions Directive (SI 230 of 2018), the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is legally required to provide accommodation to international protection applicants who seek it while their claim for international protection is being determined by the International Protection Office.
The pressure on this Department to accommodate over 65,000 people currently has led to significant shortages particularly for the international protection cohort.
As of 20 November 2022, there are 17,518 people accommodated in the IPAS accommodation system as a whole. Of this total 7,655 are children.
At this point in 2021, there were approximately 7,250 people in IPAS accommodation.
All of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used. Given the significantly increased numbers of arrivals in the context of accommodation shortages, the Department has no option but to consider all offers of accommodation including repurposed office buildings in order to provide shelter, meet basic needs and prevent homelessness.
