Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
1151. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the sites his Department plans to lease from the HSE (details supplied); the status of these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14890/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 27th March 2024 my department announced a new Comprehensive Accommodation Strategy for International Protection applicants.
This strategy seeks to address the current accommodation shortfall for International Protection applicants, while reforming the system over the longer term to ensure the State will always be able to meet its international commitments.
The reforms will see a move away from full reliance on private providers and towards a core of State-owned accommodation, delivering 14,000 State-owned beds by 2028 – quadruple the previous commitment under the White Paper. This will be supplemented, as required, by high standard commercial providers.
Accommodation in the new strategy will be delivered through the following multi-strand approach:
• Use of State land for prefabricated and modular units
• Conversation of commercial buildings
• Targeted purchase of medium and larger turnkey properties
• Design and build of new Reception and Integration Centres
• Upgrading of IPAS centres.
A number of State-owned sites have been identified including some HSE sites. Assessments of the sites are currently underway for use. The Department intends to bring the first sites into use within months.
