Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
1064. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if assistance will be provided to persons (details supplied) on the basis of family reunification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48369/23]
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 of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has worked extensively to accommodate over 98,000 arrivals fleeing the war in Ukraine, over 80% have sought accommodation from this Department.
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 59,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 980 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.
The Department has updated its reunification protocol due to the mounting challenges in procuring additional accommodation places for new arrivals into Ireland. The updated reunification protocol seeks to maximise the availability beds in the system while also acknowledging the exceptional need of certain individuals. People can request to move into a room of existing contacts if there is a bed available in the room that is already being occupied. If an additional room is required for reunification this will only be possible when someone is joining a close family member and the reunification is required for caring or support reasons.
The Ukrainian Crisis Temporary Accommodation Team (UCTAT), which can be contacted at ukrainetempaccom@equality.gov.ie, will evaluate applications for exceptional reunification on a case by case basis.
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection are entitled to make their own private arrangements for accommodation using supports provided by the Department of Social Protection or by asking their Local Authority or Irish Red Cross for pledged accommodation. Those wishing to avail of pledged accommodation in any given area should contact the Local Authority in that area or the Irish Red Cross pledge process. The Irish Red Cross can be contacted by email at registerofpledges@redcross.ie or by phoning 1800 50 70 70.
