Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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329. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps that are being taken to provide accommodation and housing for those fleeing conflict in Ukraine to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13633/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Firstly, I would like to assure you that I am deeply concerned by the ongoing crisis in the Ukraine. I am monitoring the situation closely and my Department is supporting Ukrainian nationals who come to Ireland seeking international protection.

My Department is ready to assist with any coordinated approach developed by the EU 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 is being made available by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) of my Department and IPAS is planning to scale up its operations as the number of arrivals increase.

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.

We appreciate that many people may wish to make offers of accommodation to support those persons seeking temporary protection in Ireland. The Government has worked with the Red Cross to put in place a national pledge. The website has been launched and is available online through registerofpledges.redcross.ie.