Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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766. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will respond to concerns raised (details supplied) from a Ukrainian provider's perspective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54810/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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There is ongoing heavy demand for temporary accommodation for Beneficiaries of Temporary protection (BOTPs) fleeing the war in Ukraine. My Department has entered into hundreds of contracts with providers of accommodation for BOTPs. As noted in the details supplied, discrepancies have arisen between what is provided in individual cases, with some BOTPs receiving accommodation only while others also have their meals paid for as part of contracts for serviced accommodation.

The Government decided on 28 October to introduce a requirement that BOTPs who are provided with serviced accommodation should in future pay for their own meals, and any ancillary services. On foot of this Decision, my officials will re-negotiate our contracts with accommodation providers as they expire. This measure aims to promote equity, also in light of the wide range of other supports available to BOTPs, including income support and their right to work. Requiring BOTPs to pay for their food from their income is also in line with practice in other countries offering Temporary Protection.

I am aware that our accommodation providers have some concerns about bed only contracts, including in relation to the issues mentioned in the details supplied. My officials are in consultation with stakeholders, including the Department of Tourism and Fáilte Ireland, on how best to respond to the concerns of the industry.  Those discussions are ongoing.

In terms of the specific concern raised about the welfare of the beneficiaries, I must underline that the Government Decision is not intended to impact on the provision of food, or on the quality of food offered to BOTPs accommodated in hotels. I would like to acknowledge that the hotels who are contracted to us have been providing nutritious food at a reasonable cost and that the dining rooms of their premises are providing a valuable community space for the residents. There is no reason why the same food and the same dining experience cannot continue- the only change necessitated by the Government Decision is that the beneficiaries will pay from their income for the food they eat.