Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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990. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if IPAS has decided that current applicants for international protection staying in accommodation in rooms on their own will now be roomed with at least one other, regardless of Covid or other health concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13942/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) is guided by public health advice in relation to measures for the prevention of Covid-19.

In relation to the sharing of rooms, IPAS must ensure that accommodation is utilised as appropriately as possible to ensure it meets the needs of newly arrived international protection applicants (IPAs). This is governed by a range of factors including room size and configuration.

As the Deputy will be aware, IPAS is going through an unprecedented increase of IPAs arriving in the country seeking accommodation from the State as their applications for international protection are assessed.

As at 12th March 2023, there are just over 20,100 people being accommodated by IPAS compared with 8,500 at this time last year. There are also 295 people who remain un-accommodated by IPAS since the paused entry to CityWest took effect on 24th January 2023.

My Department's officials are working intensively to source emergency accommodation to provide shelter and prevent homelessness.