Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2023
268. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when an accommodation provider for Ukrainian refugees (details supplied) who is experiencing financial difficulties will receive payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10779/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has engaged over 700 properties to provide accommodation for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. In line with the Department’s commitment to substantially clear the backlog at the end of 2022, I temporarily re-assigned staff from other parts of the Department in December, doubling the size of the payments unit. The enlarged team approved more than 100 million euros worth of payments.
My Department is prioritising maintaining a practice of more timely payments, including providing more resources to address any issues. Any delays in making payments are deeply regretted and my Department is according this issue very high priority.
I am advised by my officials that payments for the provider, as detailed by the Deputy, are in hand. My officials have engaged with the provider regarding the submission of appropriate invoices. These invoices have now been received and will be processed. Payments are expected to issue shortly once they have passed final checks.
