Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:534. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of refugees from Ukraine who are currently residing with host families in Ireland. [42408/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 3 October 2023
Ceisteanna (534, 535)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:535. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of individuals or families who have put themselves forward as host families for Ukrainian refugees since the Russian invasion. [42409/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 534 and 535 together.
I can confirm to the Deputy that currently there are 8,148 hosts in receipt of the Accommodation Recognition Payment in respect of 16,754 beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine. However, this may not be the definitive number of beneficiaries from Ukraine who are currently residing with host families as some hosts may have chosen not to claim the Accommodation Recognition Payment.
I can confirm to the Deputy that over 32,000 expressions of interests in hosting Ukrainian Refugees were received by the Irish Red Cross on its register of pledges since it opened over a year ago. After eliminating duplicates, those who were either uncontactable or who had withdrawn their interest, the number recorded by the Red Cross is 16,205. Additionally, there have been expressions of interest through the Offer a Home Scheme currently being led by local authorities with oversight from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as well as private hosting arrangements.
Question No. 535 answered with Question No. 534.