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

Deputy,

Ireland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. The pressure to accommodate almost 80,000 people in such a short period of time has led to significant shortages, particularly for the international protection cohort.

While all offers of accommodation received from nationwide locations will continue to be appraised, my Department is working with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to develop a proposal to use a state owned property in Shannon (Unit 153 Shannon Free Zone) for IPAS accommodation. This engagement is ongoing. My officials have advised OPW that it is satisfied with the proposed layout for the centre.

The OPW has now moved into a detailed design phase and has submitted a request for a Contractor to price the works.

Earlier this year my Department launched the Communities Integration Fund (CIF) for 2023 where €500,000 will be made available to local community-based projects nationwide to support the integration of migrants. Within the CIF, grants of up to €5,000 will be allocated to successful organisations to support integration initiatives.

The press release launched by the Department on 15 February 2023 provided detailed information on where applicants can source guidance on accessing this fund through the Gov.ie website under the Community Integration section.

For each of the past six years a total of €500,000 has been made available to local community based organisationsto carry out integration projects in their local area. An additional €66,492.60 was made available for CIF 2022, of which €64,015 was awarded to projects assisting Ukrainian arrivals to Ireland.

In addition, on 24 January 2023, Minister Joe O'Brien launched the €50 million Community Recognition Fund which is a major initiative to support communities that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries. The fund will provide assistance to sports clubs, community organisations, transport infrastructure and local groups and is the first of its kind designed to specifically support communities across the country that have welcomed and are hosting families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries. Among the projects that will be supported under the fund include:

- the refurbishment of local sports clubs and facilities;

- the upgrade of community facilities such as play areas, walkways, parks and community gardens;

- the purchase of equipment to benefit local clubs, festivals, music and arts organisations;

- the enhancement of school or parish facilities that are open to the wider community after hours or on weekends; transport infrastructure such as community vehicles and bus shelters.

I trust this clarifies the current situation.