Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
502. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department is considering filling vacancies as notified by the owners for an accommodation establishment in County Leitrim (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17305/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe efforts and contributions of individuals, volunteers, communities, local authorities and NGOs across the country in welcoming and supporting those fleeing the war in Ukraine have been truly remarkable. The standard and scale of the humanitarian response is due to such efforts and is to be commended. Commercial accommodation providers contracted to my Department have played a valuable part in supporting this response.
Each accommodation provider who has a contract with my Department to provide accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) is required to notify my officials of any vacancies at the accommodation regularly by sending a weekly register via email to a designated mailbox. The accommodation provider for which details have been supplied is one of our contracted providers and has notified my Department of vacancies at that accommodation by sending a weekly vacancies register.
There are a number of circumstances, however, under which vacancies cannot be used in the short term and must be paused. Where an issue has been raised with my Department such that the provider’s offering is under review, vacancies notified by that accommodation provider will not be filled until these matters are resolved to ensure the safety and security of BOTPs. My Department’s Compliance team continues to engage with the provider to which the Deputy refers, and will complete their review once all relevant documentation has been received and fully assessed for compliance with contractual terms.
Vacancies can only be fully validated and determined suitable for use, however, when moves into the vacancies are imminent. Due to varying room configurations and geographical location, some vacancies may take longer to fill then others given they are utilised to meet the specific requirements of individuals and family groups of BOTPs.
