Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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133. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will clarify an issue in relation to accommodation for Ukrainian refugees (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59586/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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My Department does not engage in procuring or contracting private houses and apartments which may impact on the residential sector.

However, the properties may be offered as part of the Unoccupied Homes Call recently launched by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The campaign aims to support the Government’s humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine. The new initiative, led by Local Authorities, will take and manage offers of unoccupied houses, apartments or holiday homesto house people and families from Ukraine.

Under the new initiative, Local Authorities will:

- take offers of houses, apartments or holiday homes for temporary accommodation

- liaise with owners to assess suitability

- arrange for their use by people and families from Ukraine

- continue to support property owners and people from Ukraine taking up the offers of accommodation during the arrangement.

While rent will not be payable to those who offer properties, a tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available from the Department of Social Protection to those who offer accommodation to people from Ukraine.

Property owners can offer homes at gov.ie/offerahome or by contacting the local authority in which their property is located.