Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2023
463. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if IPAS plans to extend the contract of an accommodation provider (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10940/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, the Department Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has worked to accommodate an unprecedented volume of persons seeking refuge from the invasion of Ukraine, coming to over 75,000 people, of which over 55,000 have sought accommodation.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, the Department has contracted in excess of 43,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 720 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.
The accommodation of displaced persons is greatly appreciated. My Department will continue to work with accommodation providers to ensure there is an adequate supply of accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection fleeing the war in Ukraine. In this regard, my Department are currently renewing contracts with our existing providers in chronological order and will be in contact with the provider referred to by the Deputy shortly in relation to renewal of their contract.
