Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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916. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department and all bodies under his Department's aegis have reviewed their estates portfolio in the context of identifying unoccupied buildings that may be suitable for use in the context of meeting the accommodation needs of persons arriving in Ireland from Ukraine. [54219/22]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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There has been and continues to be significant engagement between my Department and the HSE at senior level on the matter of vacant or derelict buildings in HSE ownership. This is in the context of the Housing for All plan and the national effort on housing and supports for Ukrainians arriving in Ireland.

The HSE periodically review the heath estate property portfolio in light of current and projected needs of the health service and also demographic projections and resourcing requirements. Taking these and other factors into account, decisions are taken in respect of vacant or derelict properties. Where it is confirmed that any given property is no longer required for in the health sector, in accordance with protocol and procedures for state asset transfer and disposal, such properties are initially offered to the Land Development Agency. If there is not an interest from the Land Development Agency, they are then offered to other state entities listed on the State Property Register. Finally, if there is no interest expressed by other state entities, the property is placed on the open market.

To contribute to the national effort on housing and supports for Ukrainians arriving in Ireland, a full list of vacant properties identified by the HSE as potentially usable for accommodation and housing was provided to the Department of Housing earlier this year. This list is kept under review and officials in the Department continue to engage with the HSE, the Department of Housing and other Government departments on these critical issues.

Recently, at the request of Minister O'Gorman to urgently identify suitable buildings that can be utilised to provide refugee accommodation, the HSE proposed five potential locations, including the Central Mental Hospital, Dundrum. These properties are now being assessed by the Dept of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. 

I am fully committed to working with other departments to support the Government's humanitarian response to Ukrainian refugees. 

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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917. To ask the Minister for Health the number and type of unused and-or unoccupied buildings in his Department's estates portfolio and all bodies under his Department's aegis. [54237/22]