Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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496. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the long-term plans for a premises (details supplied) that is owned by the Housing Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52836/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Government made a commitment in the Programme for Government to end the current system of accommodation for International Protection applicants and replace it with a new model that is based on a not for profit approach. As part of this process, I published A White Paper to end Direct Provision and to Establish a new International Protection Support Serviceon 26 February 2021. This paper sets out a new approach for accommodating applicants that seek International Protection in Ireland and will replace the current system.

The new approach will end congregated and institutional living and will focus on supporting integration from day one. Applicants will have either own-door or own-room accommodation depending on their family status.

Since the publication of the White Paper, my Department has placed a significant focus on delivering the new model of accommodation and supports. A particular focus was placed on establishing the accommodation model, including the acquisition of properties. Since January of this year, the Housing Agency on behalf of DCEDIY has sourced and purchased a range of properties across the country. This includes Augusta Lodge in Westport. Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, this property is currently being used to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP). The property and residents are being fully supported by an NGO.

As per the White Paper model, it is intended to commission Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs) to provide targeted social care supports to meet the diverse needs of people in the International Protection system. This will include a programme to deliver a range of accommodation for vulnerable applicants. The vulnerability assessment process will determine the level of supports and the types of accommodation provided.

It is planned that Augusta Lodge in Westport, will form part of this programme to deliver a range of accommodation for vulnerable International Protection applicants. This programme will be rolled out in 2023.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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497. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of vacant properties that are owned by his Department; the estimated economic value of the vacant properties; and if he will provide a list of such properties. [52844/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I can inform the Deputy that my Department operates from a number of building locations including:

1. Block 1 Miesian Plaza, 50 – 58 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin. D02 XW14. (Floors 2 and 3).

2. Montague Court, 7 – 11 Montague Street, Dublin. D02 FT96. (Floors 2 and 3).

3. Citywest, Garter Lane, Saggart, Co. Dublin, D24 KF8A, which is a Ukrainian Refugee Transit Centre.

The above properties are not owned by my Department and are not vacant.

As the Deputy will be aware the Government made a commitment in the Programme for Government to end the current system of accommodation for International Protection applicants and replace it with a new model that is based on a not for profit approach. As part of this process, I published A White Paper to end Direct Provision and to Establish a new International Protection Support Serviceon 26 February, 2021. This paper sets out a new approach for accommodating applicants that seek International Protection in Ireland, and will replace the current system.

Since the publication of the White Paper, a focus has been placed on developing the new accommodation model. This work has involved working very closely with the Housing Agency in the development of detailed policy advice papers including an acquisition policy and an ownership model, and since January the purchase of a range of properties across the country.

Twenty nine properties have been purchased to date at a cost of €5.9m. All the properties purchased require an element of upgrading to make them habitable and work is currently ongoing with the Housing Agency to develop an Approved Housing Body (AHB) funding scheme, which will put a framework in place for the upgrading, management and ongoing maintenance of the properties.

It is not possible at this stage of the process to release any further information on the properties and their location while the AHB funding scheme is being developed.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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498. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of properties that are being leased by his Department that are currently vacant; and if he will provide a list of such properties. [52862/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I can inform the Deputy that my Department operates from a number of building locations including:

1. Block 1 Miesian Plaza, 50 – 58 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin. D02 XW14. (Floors 2 and 3).

2. Montague Court, 7 – 11 Montague Street, Dublin. D02 FT96. (Floors 2 and 3).

3. Citywest, Garter Lane, Saggart, Co. Dublin, D24 KF8A, which is a Ukrainian Refugee Transit Centre.

My Department does not lease any properties that are currently vacant.