Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 March 2024
311. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of any interdepartmental engagement there has been to-date in 2024 with regard to the repurposing of state-owned buildings for emergency accommodation for asylum seekers, in view of the increasing number of asylum seekers with no accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11256/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is currently accommodating over 100,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection (IP) applicants. This includes over 75,000 Ukrainian people who have sought accommodation from the State and over 27,000 IP applicants currently in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) accommodation.
In this context, there is a recognition that the underlying assumptions on which the White Paper was based on need to be re-examined, as the assumptions underpinning it are based on there being 3,500 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. The Department is looking at new and innovated ways to address the shortfall in the current portfolio, and availing of repurposed office buildings, decommissioned Defence Forces barracks and tents to try to address shortfalls in reception capacity.
Following a call for government wide support to the accommodation crisis, departmental and state bodies have approached the Department to assist us in accommodating those seeking international protection. These offers are currently under appraisal.
