Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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124. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of vulnerability assessments of international protection applicants undertaken in 2021; the way this compares to previous years; the most common vulnerabilities identified; the steps that are being taken to address and support those identified as vulnerable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5184/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 177 together.

A vulnerability assessment pilot programme is currently in operation by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department.

From 1 February 2021, every person who makes an application for international protection is entitled to participate in a vulnerability assessment.

The assessment determines if an applicant has special reception needs, what these are and what actions are needed to address these needs. Participation is voluntary and only applicants who consent to participate in the pilot can be assessed.

From 1 February 2021 to the 31 December 2021, 686 vulnerability assessments were undertaken and 438applicants were identified as having some form of vulnerability. Of those:

- 30% were minors.

- 31% were persons who have been subjected to torture, rape or other forms of serious psychological, physical or sexual violence.

- 12% were persons identified as vulnerable because they had a serious illness.

- 9% were single parents with minor children.

- 8% were persons with mental health concerns.

Other vulnerabilities related to being:

- Pregnant (3%).

- A victim of human trafficking (3%).

- A member of the LGBTI+ community (2%).

- A person with a disability (2%).

- Being an unaccompanied minor (0.3%).

It is important to note that a vulnerable person may have more than one kind of vulnerability. IPAS makes every effort to ensure that residents' specific needs are met. All persons identified as vulnerable are directed to appropriate services by IPAS’ dedicated Resident Welfare Team.

As Deputies will know, services for all international protection applicants are mainstreamed. Applicants access health services in the same way as Irish citizens. This includes referral to disability and mental health services.

IPAS will consider any identified vulnerabilities when allocating accommodation, taking into account the accommodation available.

It should be noted that not every vulnerability requires special intervention. For example, every child or pregnant woman is identified by default as vulnerable under the Regulations, but they may not have specific vulnerabilities.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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195. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to ensure that all children and families in direct provision being moved from congregated hotel-style living are housed in own-door or independent living accommodation as close as possible to the community in which they have been residing. [5159/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 195 together.

Under the new model set out in the White Paper to End Direct Provision, all accommodation in reception and integration centres will be own-door for families and own-room for single people.

In addition, applicants for international protection will move to accommodation in the community after four months where single persons will be in own door accommodation in units of approximately ten people while families will be accommodated in own door accommodation. This will take the form of apartments and houses.

Those who acquire status and who are currently resident in International Protection Accommodation Service accommodation are receiving support to acquire accommodation in the community from Peter McVerry Trust and De Paul.

Both organisations provide support to persons with status to source accommodation throughout the country, particularly in locations of the person's preference. Regarding housing offers being made in locations near to applicants' emergency accommodation, that is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLG).

Persons who have been in the International protection process are entitled to all housing options available through their Local Authority. This includes the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).

A person seeking HAP is not required to have been on the social housing waiting list for a lengthy duration. The payment facilitates employment and allows for movement between Local Authorities.

Info on Tender - types of accomodation, contract types, timelines for tender