Written answers

Tuesday, 8 November 2022

Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Ukraine War

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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745. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on matters relating to houses pledged for refugees (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54295/22]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I can confirm that to date 4,718 Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) have been housed in 1,902 pledged accommodation settings and this figure continues to increase on a weekly basis. Every effort has been made to ensure offers are taken up once they are suitable and necessary vetting procedures are complete.

Once necessary checks are complete, suitable pledges are placed with NGO implementing partners and Local Authorities for activation, which involves matching them with suitable BOTPs. In some cases, identification of a suitable match may take some time.

Regarding the matter raised, pledges from Kerry which have been assessed as available for activation are managed by Kerry County Council, supported by the Peter McVerry Trust, to match pledges to suitable Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection.

I am advised by my officials that every effort is being made to activate the remaining pledges that are available for placement of BOTPs and to ensure that the necessary inspection procedures are completed by Local Authorities. The process of placing people in pledged accommodation does take time, but it is a complex process and needs to be conducted correctly for the safety and security of those fleeing. Vetting is a matter for An Garda Síochána and, where applicable, will be arranged by the Irish Red Cross.

I have been assured that all persons who pledged accommodation have been contacted. Anyone who pledged accommodation and believes they did not receive any follow up may contact the Irish Red Cross.

Photo of Thomas PringleThomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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746. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a person (details supplied) who has made an offer of a commercial property of 46 bed spaces in County Donegal will have their application reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54296/22]

Photo of Roderic O'GormanRoderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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My Department does not enter into rental arrangements for individual private houses or apartments. For commercial properties, based on logistical reasons and the large numbers to be accommodated, we require a minimum of 15 bed spaces to proceed with a review of an offer of accommodation.

Based on the details supplied in the offer to my Department, it was not clear at initial screening that the property the Deputy refers to met these criteria. I have asked for the offer to be reviewed again as soon as possible.

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