Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1199. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number and location of each accommodation property for beneficiaries of temporary protection from Ukraine; the occupancy and contracted capacity of each centre and location in each of the approved accommodation categories (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16671/23]
View answerIreland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, my Department has worked to accommodate an unprecedented volume of persons seeking refuge following the invasion of Ukraine, with over 80,000 people arriving in Ireland, including 59,000 who have sought accommodation from this Department.
Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, my Department has contracted in excess of 47,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 750 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings. In addition, more than 7,000 beneficiaries have also been accommodated in pledged accommodation properties.
The priority is to place people fleeing the war in safe and secure accommodation.
The wider situation regarding provision of accommodation remains challenging. Between those fleeing the war in Ukraine and those seeking international protection, my Department is accommodating approximately 80,000 people in state-funded accommodation. Contingency planning continues and my Department sources accommodation from multiple streams when it comes to providing shelter and security to those fleeing the war.
In addition to the above and the more than 7,000 BOTPs accommodated through the pledge process, my Department is also engaged in the implementation of rapid build homes units and is exploring the option of refurbished buildings with both the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Local Authorities. I am pleased to say that as of 11 April, 2,495 beneficiaries have completed moves into Offer a Home Scheme accommodation.
In line with the Government decision of 22 October 2022, all efforts are being made to develop a sustainable multi-strand accommodation solution as part of the whole of Government response. My Department is actively contributing through participation in the Accommodation Working Group established by the Department of Taoiseach to facilitate the agile delivery of accommodation required.
My Department is also engaging with existing providers. My Department continues to engage with providers regarding the move to a standard accommodation model as per the Government decision of October 2022. I am advised by my officials that, while some contractors have stated that it is their wish to return to their tourism offering, early indications are positive, with a number of providers still to confirm their position.
The contribution of individuals, communities, local authorities and the Community Response Forums across the country has been truly remarkable. The standard and scale of response is only possible due to such efforts and I wish to commend all those who have provided assistance to those seeking refuge.
The information requested has been extracted from our systems and is outlined (including locations and capacity) in tabular form below. It should be noted that the information provides an overview at a given point in time and is contingent on a number of factors that are subject to change including accommodation availability, providers in contract at any given time, configurations, transfers resulting from contracts ceasing etc. Both capacity and occupancy levels fluctuate in line with changes regarding all of the above. The below table provides a snapshot of accommodation on a location and capacity basis to the extent that our records can provide at this time.
I trust this information is of assistance.
