Written answers

Tuesday, 4 October 2022

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

International Protection

Photo of Richard O'DonoghueRichard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent)
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465. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48007/22]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine on 24 February, and the invoking of the temporary protection Directive by the European Union shortly afterwards, my Department has worked intensively as part of the cross-governmental response to the Ukraine crisis.

The operational challenges brought about by responding to the conflict are significant. Our country has never experienced an influx of displaced persons like the one that we have seen over the past months.

My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. To date, more than 50,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 39,000 of those have been referred to this Department seeking accommodation from the State.

Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, a broad range of accommodation types have been contracted.

The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.

The Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people seeking protection in Ireland as part of the European Union's overall response. The scale of response to this crisis has been unprecedented and Irish people have displayed an incredible level of generosity in their support and pledges of accommodation.

I can advise the Deputy that my officials are aware of the issues raised in the correspondence supplied. I have instructed that an inspection be carried out and this will be done very shortly, upon which actions will be taken to remedy any issues arising. This facility is being used to accommodate those availing of Temporary Protection Directive associated with the war in Ukraine.

I trust this information is of assistance.

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