Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 April 2023
346. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views in relation to any further plans for IPAS to engage properties in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18635/23]
View answerUnder the Recast Reception Conditions Directive (SI 230 of 2018), the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) is legally required to provide accommodation to international protection applicants who seek it while their claim for international protection is being determined by the International Protection Office which falls under the aegis of the Department of Justice.
The accommodation of international protection applicants (IPAs) and Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) is a demand-led process with applicants arriving in the country and seeking accommodation spontaneously.
The Department receives offers of accommodation from commercial providers directly who are located all over the country and is currently considering one accommodation proposal in Wexford. Negotiations are ongoing for this property and it has yet to be contracted.
Given the current acute shortage of accommodation for IPAs the Department must consider all offers of accommodation made to it including re-purposed office buildings, sports facilities, tented accommodation and decommissioned army barracks to address the shortfall.
These options are necessary in order to provide shelter to international protection arrivals, to meet basic needs and to prevent homelessness.
Emergency centres for IP accommodation have been opened in all parts of the country. There have been over 130 accommodation locations utilised since January 2022 in 23 counties across Ireland.
Before the opening of any facility the Department endeavours to engage with local representatives to provide information as soon as possible following the agreement of terms with contractors.
