Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024
258. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether a building (details supplied) is being considered for use as refugee accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21034/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, my Department continues to work as part of the whole-of-Government response with a focus on providing access to emergency temporary accommodation to those fleeing the conflict who request it, in line with Government policy. To date, over 106,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) have arrived in Ireland and over 84,000 of those have been referred to my Department seeking accommodation from the State.
Approximately 29,500 International Protection applicants are currently in IPAS accommodation. Prior to the war in Ukraine, there were 8,300 applicants for international protection in State supported accommodation. The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) works at all times to ensure accommodation capacity is utilised in the most effective manner possible.
My Department is focused on providing immediate, temporary accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. This has involved entering into arrangements with over 1,000 providers including hotels, guest houses and B&Bs, religious properties, with additional capacity operated by voluntary bodies and local authority emergency facilities.
I am advised that, at this time, my Department has not considered the property to which the Deputy refers for use as refugee accommodation.
