Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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574. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there is a system in place for Ukrainian refugees who sourced accommodation privately before entering the State but for whom this accommodation is only temporary. [22780/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine on February 24, my Department continues to work as part of the whole-of-Government response with a focus on meeting the immediate, temporary accommodation needs of those fleeing the conflict.

Of the approximately 27,000 people who have arrived in Ireland to date having fled the conflict in Ukraine, around 19,000 people have been placed in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation.

It is open to anyone who is benefiting from temporary protection in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive to avail of short-term emergency accommodation through IPAS at any stage of the time that they spend here.

IPAS has contracted over 7500 rooms across hotels, hostels, student accommodation, B&Bs and more, with additional capacity being pursued through guest houses, accommodation pledged by the general public, state-owned or private properties which may be suitable for short-term accommodation, accommodation belonging to voluntary bodies, religious properties, Local Authority facilities and Airbnb. The Millstreet Green Glens Arena opened recently, and can take up to 320 people. IPAS is also investigating other options such as student accommodation for the summer period and holiday homes. Given the number of people arriving, sourcing suitable accommodation continues to be a challenge.

In seeking to address immediate accommodation needs, safety and security are the paramount considerations.

Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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575. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a database has been compiled of Ukrainian refugees by date of entry to ensure fair allocation of longer-term accommodation options. [22781/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine on February 24, my Department continues to work as part of the whole-of-Government response with a focus on meeting the immediate, temporary accommodation needs of those fleeing the conflict.

A dedicated team is focused on the provision of temporary accommodation to refugees from Ukraine. This team is collaborating with all relevant Departments, Agencies, NGOs and Local Authorities, as well as the private sector, to ensure that refugees are provided with temporary accommodation on arrival, and to facilitate access to the supports from others that they require.

On arrival to Ireland those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine can choose to register with the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) for immediate temporary accommodation. Approximately 19,000 people have been placed in by IPAS accommodation to date, while around 8,000 people are staying with family or friends, or have made other private arrangements. It is possible for the anyone in receipt of temporary protection in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive to register with my Department for temporary accommodation at anytime during their stay in Ireland if they wish to do so. 

IPAS has contracted over 7500 rooms across hotels, hostels, student accommodation, B&Bs and more, with additional capacity being pursued through guest houses, accommodation pledged by the general public, state-owned or private properties which may be suitable for short-term accommodation, accommodation belonging to voluntary bodies, religious properties, Local Authority facilities and Airbnb. The Millstreet Green Glens Arena opened recently, and can take up to 320 people. IPAS is also investigating other options such as student accommodation for the summer period and holiday homes. Given the number of people arriving, sourcing suitable accommodation continues to be a challenge.

In seeking to address immediate accommodation needs, safety and security are the paramount considerations.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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576. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will reconsider the decision to award a company (details supplied) the contract to provide meals to Ukrainian refugees in direct provision centres; and if he will revoke the current contract for the company for direct provision centres given the reports of below standard food being provided by the company. [22803/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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My Department is focused on providing immediate, short term accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. Approximately 19,000 people have been placed in International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) accommodation to date.

IPAS has contracted over 7500 rooms across hotels, hostels, student accommodation, B&Bs and more, with additional capacity being pursued through guest houses, accommodation pledged by the general public, state-owned or private properties which may be suitable for short-term accommodation, accommodation belonging to voluntary bodies, religious properties, Local Authority facilities and Airbnb. The Millstreet Green Glens Arena opened recently, and can take up to 320 people. IPAS is also investigating other options such as student accommodation for the summer period and holiday homes. Given the number of people arriving, sourcing suitable accommodation continues to be a challenge.

The Department continues to cooperate with colleagues across Government on an all of Government response to this challenge.

The Department is not in a position to comment on individual contractors or contractual matters due to the commercially sensitive nature of this information.

Due to the urgent need to provide immediate temporary accommodation to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, my Department is not always in a position to procure necessary contract(s) by advertising using the procedures set out in the Procurement Regulations. The Department intends to conduct a formal procurement competition for any services which may be required following the expiry of any agreement and once initial short term arrangements (using Article 32 of the Procurement Regulations) are put in place.