Written answers

Tuesday, 29 March 2022

Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government

Ukraine War

Photo of Christopher O'SullivanChristopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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309. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if consideration can be given to providing emergency modular homes for Ukrainian families on donated private land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16534/22]

Photo of Paul KehoePaul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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337. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to provide support funding for households that are hosting Ukrainian refugees; if he will provide access to HAP or an equivalent payment to individuals pledging rooms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16432/22]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 309 and 337 together.

The 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. The Housing Assistance Payment or HAP is not available for accommodation pledged to the Red Cross.

The Government is continuing to develop its humanitarian response to address the accommodation issues arising in the short, medium and long-term.

Government is also working to ensure that local capacity, resources and knowledge are brought to bear on the overall humanitarian response and will work closely with Local Authorities to ensure a well coordinated approach.

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