Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
525. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will engage with an accommodation provider (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22725/24]
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, approximately 107,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection (BOTPs) have arrived in Ireland and over 84,000 of those have been referred to this Department seeking accommodation from the State.
While the offer of accommodation at the location to which the Deputy refers is much appreciated, it should be noted that my Department is not presently contracting additional accommodation for BOTPs from new or existing providers. This situation will be kept under review.
As part of Government policy, a move to a more sustainable accommodation strategy is underway. My Department is now focused on the maintenance of capacity at larger-scale Designated Accommodation Centres (DAC) for new arrivals and on the consolidation of the BOTP accommodation portfolio, while endeavouring to use more sustainable, self-sufficient accommodation that supports independent living and integration.
My Department is making use of vacancies arising within the existing system, and through the leveraging of other streams of accommodation, including Offer a Home and pledged properties to accommodate those who need to be moved due to contracts ending. Due to 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. My Department is also transferring a number of vacancies in the BOTP accommodation portfolio to use by international protection applicants.
