Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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432. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will confirm if his Department has had any discussions with any person, business or organisation in Cahir, County Tipperary, in relation to the use of a building (details supplied) in Cahir town as a Direct Provision centre or to use as emergency accommodation for persons seeking international protection; if he will outline any engagements his Department may have had in relation to said building; if he will commit to engaging with the local community in advance of any possible discussion and proposals or plans that may arise to use any property in Cahir town as emergency accommodation for persons seeking international protection or as a Direct Provision centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6798/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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My Department is now accommodating approximately 74,000 people between those fleeing the war in Ukraine and those seeking international protection.

Deputy, I can confirm that my department has no record of any discussions with the mentioned property in regard to IP and/or BOTP accommodation.

The State has a legal and moral obligation to assess the claims of those who seek refuge, and in that time to provide accommodation and supports. Intensive efforts are undertaken daily by staff in DCEDIY and the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) to source emergency accommodation. However, procuring enough bed space to keep pace with incoming arrivals remains extremely challenging, leading to very significant shortages. All of the limited accommodation capacity within the IPAS system is currently being used.

Given the significantly increased numbers of arrivals in the context of accommodation shortages, the Department is considering all offers of accommodation to address the shortfall.

While efforts are made to notify public representatives and State agencies in advance of utilising a building for accommodation of IPAs, the emergency nature of the response required means that advance communications are not as comprehensive or as early as my Department would like.

Due to the sheer scale of the present crisis this inevitably means that emergency accommodation of those seeking refuge must be occupied on a faster timeline than would otherwise be the case.

Before the opening of any facility my Department engages with local representatives to provide information as soon as possible following the agreement of terms with contractors.

Over the past year, communities across Ireland have demonstrated great solidarity and welcome for those who come here seeking refuge.

I trust this information clarifies the matter Deputy.