Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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569. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason a list of vacant properties (details supplied) offered for accommodation of refugees has been with IPAS since August 2022 without progress or correspondence with representatives despite repeated efforts; if this is a widespread occurrence; if so, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51797/22]

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. 

Numbers seeking international protection have also increased adding to accommodation capacity issues. 

The Government is resolute in its solidarity and support for Ukraine, and huge efforts are being made to source facilities that will provide those arriving in Ireland with safety and shelter. 

I can advise the Deputy that my officials confirm that the company which compiled the list shared by the Deputy has been contacted a number of times by my officials on an ongoing basis in recent weeks and months in relation to provision of accommodation for both Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and International Protection applicants.

Properties offered to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth are evaluated in terms of value for money, location and size. Not all properties are suitable.  Larger properties are currently being prioritised because of the need to accommodate large groups of BOTPs and because it is difficult to maintain adequate oversight of large numbers of contracts for smaller properties.

I trust this information is of assistance.