Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 to 15, inclusive, together. The Cabinet committee on accommodation and supports for Ukrainian refugees, which I chair, oversees the whole-of-government humanitarian response to supporting people from Ukraine who have sought temporary protection here. Membership of the Cabinet committee includes the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment; the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and for Transport; the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage; the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth; the Minister for Social Protection; the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Other Ministers and Ministers of State attend the Cabinet committee as required.

The numbers of people seeking temporary protection in Ireland as a consequence of the horrific war in Ukraine is unprecedented in the history of the State. Ireland has never seen so many people arrive in such a short timeframe and tens of thousands are receiving assistance. Since the start of this terrible war, over 65,000 people arriving from Ukraine have availed of temporary protection in Ireland. This equates to more than 1.2% of our population and compares very favourably with other European countries, demonstrating our solidarity with Ukraine and the rest of Europe in dealing with the crisis.

This level of response is challenging and absolutely unprecedented in the history of our State. Nevertheless, the Government is clear that, in the face of further arrivals, an approach that will bring greater consistency to the State's response and ensure equity for all those who rely on State supports is needed now as we continue to meet our obligations to those seeking protection here in Ireland. With this in mind, the Government agreed in October to the following measures: a doubling of the tax-free recognition payment from €400 to €800; a €50 million community fund to recognise local efforts; an expansion of rapid-build and accommodation refurbishment programmes; allowing for dormitory-style accommodation to maximise places; a new State-led call for vacant homes and a focus on future trends and planning for sustainable supports.

I will now outline the measures currently being progressed by the Government in order to provide additional accommodation. The property refurbishment programme is being expanded and accelerated and the process of compiling a searchable database of accommodation is beginning. The rapid-build housing programme has commenced with the first order of units already under way with the installation of 500 rapid-build homes by February and March 2023, providing accommodation for 2,000 people at a number of sites across the country. The new local authority-led Offer a Home campaign was successfully launched last week. This involves a doubling of the recognition payment to €800, irrespective of the nature of the offer of properties and accommodation.

The Government has also allocated €5 million to the Community Foundation for Ireland for the Ireland for Ukraine campaign. This is providing 50% of its funds to aid charities providing support on the ground and 50% to provide grant aid for Irish charities and community and voluntary organisations assisting people who have fled from the war to this country.

I acknowledge the tremendous contribution made by local communities in welcoming people from Ukraine. In recognition of such local, community-led solidarity, the Government has committed to a €50 million programme of supports, as I have said. Detailed proposals are currently being developed to provide additional resources at local level to ensure that access to public services and community centre facilities for local communities are maintained and expanded. Ireland's humanitarian response will continue. Policy work by various Departments is also continuing on an ongoing assessment of the sustainability of the initial emergency response. This work is also looking to the medium and longer-term issues. The Cabinet committee will meet again on 12 December.

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