Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
1012. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for clarification on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47944/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the beginning of 2022, Ireland and many other European countries have experienced a significant increase of new arrivals seeking international protection. As at 22nd October 2023, the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is providing accommodation to 24,765 people seeking refuge in Ireland, of whom 651 reside in Kerry.
The Department since January 2022 have brought over 180 properties into use and continues to explore all offers of accommodation for international protection applicants (IPAs) in as far as it can. There remains an acute shortfall with respect to accommodation. The Department is working to bring further properties into use to ensure that all those who arrive in Ireland seeking shelter can be accommodated.
While all efforts are made to notify public representatives and State agencies in advance of utilising a building for accommodation of IPAs, the emergency nature of the response required means that advance communications are not always as comprehensive or as early as the Department would like. Due to the sheer scale of the present crisis this inevitably means that emergency accommodation of those seeking refuge must be occupied on a faster timeline than would otherwise be the case.
However, the Department's Community Engagement Team (CET) will endeavour to improve the flow of information regarding arrivals into areas and to help equip local communities with pertinent information required, which will assist with the welcome and integration process for new arrivals.
