Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
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900. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if families with children and those who are in bad health will remain in a hotel (details supplied). [12515/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Ireland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, more than 76,000 people have fled to Ireland from the war in Ukraine of which over 56,000 have sought accommodation from my Department.

Overseeing provision of accommodation on this scale during this timeframe for all those who require it remains immensely challenging. Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, the Department has contracted in excess of 43,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 720 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.

The priority is to place people fleeing the conflict in safe and secure accommodation.

The Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people seeking protection in Ireland as part of the European Union's overall response. The wider situation in regards to accommodation remains extremely challenging. Ireland is now accommodating approximately 77,000 people between those fleeing war in Ukraine and International Protection applicants.

Generally moves of BOTPs occur due to contracts ending, or where the provider reduces the number of rooms available to the Department, as in the case referenced. The contractor in question has reduced the number of rooms available to us and intensive efforts are now being undertaken to source alternative emergency accommodation. The Department understands that the situation is difficult for those being asked to leave. UCTAT is working within the context of a severe accommodation shortage but will endeavour to minimise the disruption to residents as much as possible. The decision on those to remain in the hotel will be informed by medical need and potential vulnerability.

My Department endeavours to provide as much advance notice as possible of moves. Generally 48 hours confirmation is issued in advance of such moves and where possible in certain circumstances greater notice periods may be provided. Generally, transfer is by way of coach or, if the group size is small enough, by minibus. This has enabled all those in need of transport to avail of the accommodation offered where they wish to do so. Medical cases are, where at all possible, accommodated close to the medical centre in which the beneficiaries are receiving treatment.

Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection are also entitled to make their own private arrangements and can avail of some supports to do so. In addition, Beneficiaries may be able to avail of offers of pledge accommodation or unoccupied houses under the offer a home scheme. Those wishing to avail of such accommodation should contact the relevant Local Authority in that area they wish to reside in.