Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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81. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his response to the report by an organisation (details supplied) concerning urgent action to address accommodation crisis for persons seeking protection in Ireland. [56955/22]

Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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85. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the Irish Refugee Council Report titled "Accommodation Crisis 2022: Response and Recommendations" published in October 2022, that states that the Irish protection system is in crisis, that there has been a serious and unprecedented breakdown in Ireland's reception system and that a whole-of-Government response is required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56938/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 85 together.

I am aware of the report mentioned by the Deputy. As the Deputy will be aware, the health and wellbeing of all people who avail of accommodation provided by the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is of the highest priority to my officials and myself. To that end, I have directly engaged with the Irish Refugee Council and other involved NGOs.

At present, the Department is providing accommodation to over 63,000 people, made up of circa 46,000 displaced Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and almost 17,000 International Protection applicants. At this point in 2021, the figure was 7,250. This unprecedented increase has resulted in a significant shortage of accommodation options that would ordinarily be available. My Department is presently utilising a wide range of accommodation options to provide shelter to record numbers of international protection applicants arriving in Ireland. The makeup of this accommodation will remain under review.

All residents are encouraged to engage with IPAS if they are unhappy with any aspect of their accommodation. IPAS remains available to deal with any complaints. There are several routes available to residents to raise matters of concern - through a centre manager, the IPAS Customer Service Team and a dedicated confidential service helpline, run by an NGO. In addition, all International Protection applicants have access to the services of the Ombudsman and Office of the Ombudsman for Children.

I am grateful for all offers of accommodation which are made. However, the availability of accommodation to house International Protection applicants remains a very significant challenge. My Department remains actively engaged in the sourcing of emergency accommodation to ensure we can continue to meet our international obligations to those seeking refuge in Ireland.