I propose to take Questions Nos. 517 and 518 together.
The accommodation provider to which the Deputy refers has decided to cease accommodating Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) and has asked that all of the BOTPs in residence be moved to alternative accommodation. My Department's standard commercial accommodation contract provides that either party to the contract can terminate the agreement at any time with four weeks’ notice and the provider in this case has availed of this right. The BOTPs residing at this location have been given notification of same and will be relocated before the end of the month.
While every effort is made to minimise disruption to BOTPs who must be relocated where contracts end, staying in the local area cannot be guaranteed for BOTPs who continue to require State accommodation. My Department cannot guarantee standard or location at this time, and BOTPs are encouraged to engage with their Local Authority to assess the possibility of finding accommodation in the community if possible.
My Department is currently consolidating the BOTP accommodation portfolio in line with current and future needs. As this work progresses and the portfolio is reduced, remaining within existing localities for BOTPs who must be relocated will become less likely.
Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection are entitled to make their own private arrangements including potentially availing of pledged accommodation if they wish, and can avail of some supports to do so. Those wishing to avail of pledged accommodation in any given area should contact the Local Authority in that area or the Irish Red Cross pledge process. The Irish Red Cross can be contacted by email at registerofpledges@redcross.ie or by phoning 1800 50 70 70.
Given the unprecedented level of new arrivals seeking International Protection (IP), and the challenges in providing suitable accommodation, Cabinet has approved an accommodation strategy which includes maximising the occupancy of accommodation under contract to my Department, in its entirety. My Department is actively utilising existing suitable vacancies in the system, where the provider has expressed an interest in assisting with the accommodation of IPs.
The International Protection Procurement Services (IPPS) are currently appraising an offer of accommodation for IPs in the accommodation to which the Deputy refers. Should the offer meet the requisite criteria, it is hoped that a contract can be agreed in the near future. My Department can only confirm use of a premises once a contract has been signed, and will, in the first instance, inform local public representatives and statutory agencies through its Community Engagement Team.
