Roderic 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 53,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 42,000 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, my Department has contracted in excess of 33,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 500 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings. 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 a commendable level of generosity in their support and pledges of accommodation.

Ireland’s response to the Ukraine crisis is governed by the EU Temporary Protection Directive (Council Directive 2001/55/EC).The European Commission activated the Directive on 2 March 2022 and on 4March, the Council unanimously adopted the Decision giving those fleeing war in Ukraine the right to temporary protection. Under the Directive, Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection have rights, which include but are not limited to access to suitable accommodation, necessary assistance in terms of social welfare and means of subsistence, if they do not have sufficient resources, as well as for medical care etc. We will continue to deliver a humanitarian response to the needs of Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) and those seeking International Protection.

Accommodation for new arrivals will continually need to be found by the State throughout the Autumn/Winter period as my Department expects daily arrivals from Ukraine and those seeking international protection to continue. Average weekly arrivals seeking accommodation from Ukraine are presently over 1,300 persons while over 300 persons seek accommodation weekly in the international protection system.

I can assure the Deputy that all the factors he has mentioned, and many other relevant considerations, are carefully factored into delivering the best possible outcome for the greatest number under the most demanding of conditions. The wider situation in regards to accommodation will remain extremely challenging. Ireland is now accommodating over 55,000 people between those fleeing Ukraine and International Protection applicants, compared to 7,500 last year. This is the equivalent to the population of Waterford City and is due to increase.

For large-scale moves, such as the proposed move the Deputy has raised, my Department endeavours to provide as much advance notice as possible and is very mindful of the impact that all such moves have on those affected.  That particular planned move of BOTPs from Killarney did not proceed. My Department worked intensively to source alternative accommodation in the area for those affected. I can also confirm that officials within my Department have been in touch with the families to let them know about accommodation arrangements.

I trust this information is of assistance.