Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2023
538. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will acknowledge and respond to a pledge of accommodation (details supplied) made to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4744/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 scale of response to this crisis has been unprecedented and Irish people have displayed a commendable level of generosity in their support and pledges of accommodation.
To date, in excess of 6,300 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) have been housed in over 2,600 pledged accommodation settings.
The matching of Beneficiaries to prospective pledge properties is a matter for the relevant Local Authority and Implementing partner(s). I understand that every effort is being made to match Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection to pledged accommodation that is suitable for their needs. It is not always possible to accommodate specific requests made by hosts regarding the family composition they would like to assist.
Local Authorities and NGO implementing partners match beneficiaries to suitable pledged accommodation considering all factors that need to be taken into account. These factors often include access to school placements, transportation links and specific needs that are unique to each BOTP family unit.
I advise that any queries relating to pledge accommodation be directed to the Irish Red Cross (IRC) if the pledge was made to the IRC or, for all other pledges, to the appropriate Local Authority via their contacts point for the offerahome.ie/ scheme.
I wish to thank all members of the Irish Public who have very generously offered their accommodation to assist those fleeing the war in Ukraine and assure them that all efforts are being made to accommodate BOTPs.
