Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

424. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to correspondence (details supplied); the action he is taking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23968/23]

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

Ireland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War. Since February 2022, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has worked extensively to accommodate over 82,000 arrivals fleeing the war in Ukraine, of which 60,000 have sought accommodation from this 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 47,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) in more than 770 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings.

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

Regarding the matter raised, I am advised by my officials that this Department is implementing this policy at the request of the Department of Health. I am further advised that the Department of Health is currently undertaking a review of the policy which is to conclude shortly. I would advise contacting the Department of Health for any further information in respect of the current review.