Departmental Properties

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2023

Thursday, 16 February 2023

Ceisteanna (343)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

343. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice if he has received a request from the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to identify properties under the control of his Department, or under the control of agencies under the remit of his Department, for the purposes of providing accommodation to international protection applicants or beneficiaries of temporary protection; if he has identified potential properties and their locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7940/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice

I can confirm that I have received the request referenced by the Deputy from Minister Roderic O'Gorman.

My Department and the bodies under its aegis have previously reviewed the full portfolio of buildings, many of which are owned or leased by the Office of Public Works (OPW), and provided details of unoccupied buildings to the Department of Housing and/or the OPW in response to previous requests for accommodation for people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

In response to previous requests both for Ukraine and Housing for All, my Department also flagged that a portion of the Thornton site in North County Dublin could be made available if deemed suitable for the accommodation needs by the responsible bodies.

While there are no vacant or derelict buildings owned by my Department which appear to come within the scope of the most recent request, my Department is keeping its estate under review and if anything is identified it will be discussed with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.