Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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499. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to a situation in a centre for Ukrainian refugees in Cork (details supplied), in which parents and their children have reported being very cold and requests to turn on the heating have been met with threats of eviction and foul language; the policy regarding heating in publicly-funded centres as winter approaches; if he will take steps to address this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52895/22]

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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504. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will investigate allegations of unacceptable behaviour by management of a hostel for Ukrainian refugees (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will outline the person or body that is responsible for and the way oversight of these centres is being carried out and maintained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53011/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 499 and 504 together.

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 54,000 people have arrived in Ireland and in excess of 43,000 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, the 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.

I can advise the Deputy in respect of the accommodation mentioned that my officials have been informed by the relevant Local Authority that it is aware of complaints that have been raised in relation to this property and that they have been liaising with the residents, property owners and the management company on an ongoing basis to ensure issues raised are being addressed.

I am further informed that a heating fault arose on one evening at which time on-site management called a plumbing company to rectify the issue.

My Department and the Local Authorities with whom we liaise are acutely aware of the difficulties facing all Ukrainians and continue to provide them with supports available to assist them through this emergency. Local Community Response forums work closely with Local Authorities to ensure all issues which arise are addressed in a prompt and effective manner.

The Deputy raised the question of policy around heating. My Department regards the provision of adequate heating in any accommodation centre as essential.

I trust this information is of assistance.