Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

398. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures being taken by his Department to support the reception and accommodation of persons from Ukraine following the recent conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12912/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Firstly, I would like to assure you that my officials and I are deeply concerned by the ongoing crisis in the Ukraine. We are monitoring the situation closely and My Department has begun to respond quickly and effectively in the event that Ukrainian nationals come to Ireland seeking international protection.

My Department is ready to assist if the EU develops a coordinated approach to supporting refugees from Ukraine. I am liaising with the Cabinet and my EU colleagues to ensure an effective humanitarian response. My Department is working closely with key stakeholders and with the European Commission, other EU Agencies, and Member States, in order to be prepared for a sudden increase in individuals seeking international protection in the EU.

As the Deputy will be aware, it is not possible to estimate the number of Ukrainians likely to come to Ireland as the situation remains so volatile. However, I can confirm that accommodation will initially be made available by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department to those Ukrainian nationals who seek international protection in Ireland should they require it. 

My officials are actively working to procure accommodation and supports for Ukrainian arrivals to Ireland through hotel accommodation in the first instance and various other accommodation solutions including the use of modular housing on state owned land.   

In addition, on 18 January 2022, my Department published a request for tender (RFT) to procure additional accommodation. This tender process is a key plank in DCEDIY’s strategy to end reliance on emergency accommodation and will assist in alleviating the accommodation pressures currently being experienced.

The compliance evaluation process is currently underway and it is anticipated that this process will result in additional capacity.

We appreciate that many people may wish to make offers of accommodation to support those persons seeking temporary protection in Ireland. The Government is working with the Red Cross on the logistics for putting a national pledge in place.  Arrangements will be finalised shortly and information will be provided for those wishing to pledge accommodation shortly through gov.ie and the Red Cross.

I wish to assure the Deputy that Ireland will not be found wanting in offering people seeking protection the humanitarian support they will need.