Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 February 2023
119. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if his Department has been contacted by other Departments to assist in the housing or placement of refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5165/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is continuing to engage across Government, including through the Senior Officials Group on the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis, in relation to requests for accommodation or other supports that are required from the Defence Organisation in response to the refugee crisis.
Following a request from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs, lands at Gormanston military installation, Co. Meath were made available for emergency accommodation and for use as a reception centre for Ukrainian nationals from July until October 2022.
Ballymullen Barracks, Tralee, has also been made available to Kerry County Council at their request to accommodate Ukrainian nationals, with a current capacity for up to 60 occupants.
The military installation at Kilbride Camp, Co. Wicklow has been made available to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs for emergency short term accommodation and became operational in November 2022 with a current maximum capacity for 130 occupants.
The Defence Forces have provided tentage and engineering support at a site in Knockalisheen, Co. Clare following a request for assistance from Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs. This site is a Department of Defence landholding which was already in use as a Direct Provision centre.
My Department is engaging closely with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Affairs regarding the use of the former Mullingar Barracks for accommodation purposes.
In addition, Civil Defence Units across the country continue to provide supports at local authority level for Ukrainians seeking protection in Ireland. This includes assisting at temporary rest centres. They are also providing transport for school registration and medical appointments etc.
