Departmental Properties

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2023

Thursday, 16 February 2023

Ceisteanna (216)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

216. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has received a request from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to identify properties under the control of her Department or under the control of agencies under the remit of her Department for the purposes of providing accommodation to international protection applicants or beneficiaries of temporary protection; if she has identified potential properties and their locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7945/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

I can confirm that I have recently received correspondence from my colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in relation to this matter.

Throughout the past year my Department has continued to work with agencies and stakeholders in the sectors under my remit to identify opportunities to assist in addressing the accommodation challenges arising in relation to people from Ukraine fleeing Russia’s illegal war and international protection applicants. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) have been provided with details of offers of accommodation. Further information in relation to accommodation deemed as suitable for use are available from that Department. On foot of Minister O’Gorman’s request my Department has again contacted its agencies and stakeholders to identify further options for accommodation.