Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 January 2024
490. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the location of the proposed six new accommodation centres; the details of any contracts issued to develop these centres; the properties being examined or considered for redevelopment as these new centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4273/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn February 2021 A White Paper to End Direct Provision and establish a new International Protection Service was published. The paper set out a new approach for accommodating applicants that seek International Protection in Ireland and contains three core themes – accommodation, integration and supports.
Since January 2022, more than 27,000 people have come to Ireland seeking International Protection. At the same time, more than 100,000 people have fled from Ukraine, the vast majority of whom have required accommodation from the State.
In this context, there is a recognition that the underlying assumptions on which the White Paper was based needs to be re-examined, as the assumptions underpinning it are based on 3500 new arrivals each year. A review of the timelines and deliverables was initiated. A memo will be going to government for approval setting out a revised implementation approach with an increased focus on adding State owned accommodation capacity.
The department is in the early stages of planning its approach for the delivery of the increase state owned accommodation capacity. Further detail on this would not be available at this time.
