Departmental Properties

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2023

Thursday, 16 February 2023

Ceisteanna (318)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

318. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to confirm that the former convent (details supplied) in Kilcormac County Offaly will be used to accommodate Ukrainian citizens who are beneficiaries of temporary protection only; the cost of the contract that was agreed with the owner of the site; the timescale agreed for the duration of the contract; if he or his Department engaged in any discussions with local representatives prior to the decision being made to use the site for accommodation purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7975/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

My Department is now accommodating in excess of 74,000 people, including both those fleeing the war in Ukraine and those seeking International Protection. We have contracted in excess of 43,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 700 settings nationwide including in hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.

The priority is to place those fleeing the war in Ukraine in safe and secure accommodation.

Given the significantly increased numbers of arrivals in the context of accommodation shortages, my Department is considering all offers of accommodation to address the shortfall.

I can confirm that the property referred to by the Deputy is operational in respect of accommodating beneficiaries of temporary protection and providing shelter and security. My Department is not in a position to disclose details of negotiations nor of commercially sensitive information such as accommodation rates and capacities of individual contractors.

My Department will continue to assist those seeking shelter and security as best it can.