Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

456. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to a matter whereby a number of Ukrainians and other tenants resident in accommodation owned by a hotel (details supplied) are having their water turned off on a regular basis; and if his Department has contacted the hotel to carry out an inspection of the accommodation. [62065/22]

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

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in consultation with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and relevant State agencies/Government Departments developed a standards document within the context of the Humanitarian Crisis Housing Taskforce.

The guidance is broadly based on homeless emergency accommodation which has been developed in recent years to respond to the needs of those presenting as homeless and to reduce reliance on commercial hotel and B&B accommodation. This generally consists of serviced type accommodation arrangements for families and/or individuals and shared facilities for cooking, laundry, recreation etc.

The document provides guidance on appraisal criteria, including general considerations such as location, current state of building, general standards, accommodation standards, statutory requirements etc.

The document refers to and includes standards in accommodation covering:

- Structural Condition

- Sanitary Facilities

- Heating Facilities

- Food Preparation and Storage and Laundry

- Ventilation

- Lighting

- Fire Safety

- Refuse Facilities and

- Gas, Oil and Electrical Installations

The standards applied clearly state that buildings offering temporary accommodation for use by those fleeing the war in Ukraine must be safe, well maintained and in good repair.

Accommodation providers must comply with fire safety obligations/regulations. The standards clearly state that adequate provisions should be made in relation to fire safety e.g. compliance with a fire safety certificate or the obligations under the Fire Services Acts.

The Department treats all complaints about accommodation with the utmost seriousness and is committed to reviewing/acting on all complaints in a timely and efficient manner.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has agreed an inspection template for vacant pledged properties, which includes fire safety criteria. Inspections of suitable pledged vacant properties also take place prior to occupation.

If a complaint requires an inspection, the Department will arrange for an inspection to be conducted by QTS Health and Safety Ltd on its behalf.

If the inspection identifies any issues, the Department will ask the service provider to address any issues identified.

If the issues are addressed and rectified, no further action is required.

If issues of concern are not addressed, the Department has the authority to relocate people and terminate the contract.

I am advised by my officials that there is no complaint on hand from residents in respect of the provider mentioned, or of the issue the Deputy mentioned. Issues of this nature should be flagged to ukrainretempaccom@equality.gov.ie for appropriate follow up.