Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

782. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide details of the number of Ukrainian refugees who arrived in the State under the temporary protection directive but who have not been assigned accommodation. [55156/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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. 

My Department’s role is focused on the immediate, short-term accommodation needs of those who have fled here. The latest figures from the Department of Justice show that there have been 62,371 Temporary Protection Orders granted. Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) are entitled to make their own private arrangements and a significant cohort have chosen to do so, many staying with friends or family.

However it is the case that the majority of BOTPs do seek accommodation from my Department and we have in place an effective system for placing beneficiaries in accommodation, centred on the City West Transit Hub. As the Deputy may be aware, I was required to pause new arrivals at City West on 20 October last due to overcrowding.

The pause remains in place. The Citywest Transit Hub team is reviewing admissions on a daily basis.  Where it has sufficient accommodation, all are admitted.  If it does not have sufficient accommodation, priority is given to vulnerable persons.  It is currently in a position to admit all of those seeking accommodation.

At this time, all of those initially refused and for whom DCEDIY had correct contact details have been contacted and subsequently offered accommodation. As of 4 November, there were 35 newly arrived BOTPs at City West waiting to be assigned accommodation elsewhere.

As of the same date, there are 43,411 BOTPs in accommodation directly provided by my Department, in addition to 4,718 beneficiaries accommodated in properties pledged through the Irish Red Cross Portal.  As mentioned above, some BOTPs have been accommodated by private hosts outside of the formal pledge framework. This is reflected in the fact that, as of 4 November, €6.6mn has been paid in Accommodation Recognition Payments in respect of 8,439 beneficiaries across 3,822 properties.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

783. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide details of the number of individuals who made known their intentions to seek asylum under international protection on arrival in the State but who have not been assigned accommodation. [55157/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy, since 20 October 2022 - International Protection Applicants (IPAs) who were not initially provided with accommodation by IPAS (due to a lack of accommodation) - were requested to provide personal contact details and to regularly contact the IPAS inbox for the latest information on availability. This group was also advised that the Capuchin Day Centre, Bow Street, Dublin would be in a position to provide meals and showering facilities.   

The total number of IPAs who were not accommodated since 20 October was 90.  Of this group, 66 requested to be contacted when accommodation became available, 24 indicated they would arrange their own accommodation.  Of the 66, 51 have subsequently been accommodated. With regard to the remaining group of 15, IPAS has attempted to contact each person on more than one occasion with an offer of accommodation but to date, have not received a response.

My Department continues to try to provide accommodation for all IPAs who present in Ireland – the Deputy will be aware however, with significant numbers of IPAs presenting, this task will remain challenging.

I trust this information satisfies your query.

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

784. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide clarification on a matter (details supplied). [55224/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy, please see information below as requested.

Of the 125 females, 30 are children. Of the 55 males, 18 are children.

I trust this information clarifies the matter.