Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 March 2022
35. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if social housing tenants with spare rooms will be permitted to house Ukrainian refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16724/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people fleeing the war in Ukraine and seeking protection in Ireland as part of the EU response.
As part of its response, Government is providing accommodation through the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) and is working closely with Local Authorities to provide accommodation for Ukrainian arrivals in a variety of settings including:
- Hotels, guest houses and B&Bs;
- Accommodation pledged by the general public, which is being assessed for suitability;
- State-owned or private properties, which may be suitable for short-term accommodation;
- Religious properties; and
- Local authority community facilities.
Regarding pledged accommodation, the Red Cross is the centre point for offers of assistance for accommodation coming in through local authorities or the public and will liaise directly with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth on same.
Government is working to ensure local capacity, resources and knowledge are brought to bear on the overall humanitarian response. This includes working with relevant parties at local level to allow social housing tenants participate, should they wish to do so, in the pledge system and volunteer unused rooms in their homes for Ukrainian refugees.
