Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 December 2022
225. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to issue a call for larger properties for the housing of refugees, as was issued in respect of pledged accommodation in individual residential homes. [63059/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is the Department with lead responsibility for the provision of accommodation for refugees and International Protection applicants.
My Department is supporting the whole of government response to the war in Ukraine and has taken responsibility for some elements, in order to provide support and assistance to DCEDIY as it continues to lead the initial humanitarian response, including the provision of accommodation and related supports.
One of these measures includes the call for unoccupied homes, which is being led by local authorities, with oversight from my Department. My Department has also taken responsibility for the refurbishment programme, which aims to bring multi-occupancy buildings that are vacant back into use as accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Accommodation from Ukraine. Notwithstanding this, any proposal for a call for further types of accommodation would require guidance from DCEDIY and a decision of the relevant cabinet committee.
